Three-year follow-up of 62 cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with chemoembolization.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to present our experience in 62 patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in two years.


METHODS
TACE was performed with injection of doxorubicin mixed with lipiodol before embolization with spongostan. This procedure was repeated for 3 cycles almost. Follow-up was performed by US and CT and by assessment of clinical status and biochemical tests. TACE results were assessed comparing size, local spread and TACE technique with patients' survival. The lesion was single in 51 while multiple in 11. In 6 patients the lesion was greater than 5 cm while in 56 less than 5 cm.


RESULTS
Overall survival rates were 95.7% at 6 months, 78.3% at 1 year, 46% at 2 years, 40% at 3 years. The best responses were obtained with single lesions smaller than 5 cm and treated with at least 3 cycles of TACE.


CONCLUSIONS
We can conclude that TACE is an efficacious therapeutic choice in the HCC patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Gattoni
F
F
Radiological Sciences Institute, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan.
Dova
S
S
Uslenghi
C M
CM
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004317:Doxorubicin