Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotics: functional hepatic reserve and survival.
OBJECTIVE
Transarterial chemoembolization is widely used for palliative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, but patient's characteristics associated with maximal benefit are still undefined.


METHODS
In 81 cirrhotic patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, who underwent transarterial chemoembolization, variables correlated with survival were studied. In 46/81, the antipyrine metabolism test has been performed before and 72 hours after first transarterial chemoembolization.


RESULTS
Mean overall survival of whole population was 22 months. One-, two-, and three-year survival rates were respectively 85%, 38.6%, and 18.1%. Better survival was observed in those patients who received more than one treatment (p = 0.016), while no relationship was found with treatment response, drug used, or number of lobes involved. Univariate analysis of the subgroup with antipyrine pharmacokinetic data revealed a significant relation between survival and baseline albumin (p = 0.039), total cholesterol (p = 0.036), AST (p = 0.017), log of total bilirubin (p = 0.017), and Child-Pugh class (p = 0.029), but not with parameters of antipyrine metabolism. Antipyrine metabolism was not significantly modified by transarterial chemoembolization in the subgroup tested before and after the first treatment. Using Cox regression analysis and selecting AST and log of total bilirubin, a prognostic index was defined: prognostic index 0.006 (AST-83.044) + 0.638 [log of total bilirubin-0.1175]. One-, two-, and three-year survival rates were respectively 92%, 59.2%, and 29.6% for the patient group with prognostic index < 0, and 76%, 14.3%, and 4.8% for the group with prognostic index > 0 (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Transarterial chemoembolization is a safe procedure and appears beneficial for those patients with a good functional hepatic reserve. The antipyrine metabolism test does not provide any additional prognostic information.
Grieco
Antonio
A
Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy. agrieco@rm.unicatt.it.cc
Marcoccia
Stefania
S
Miele
Luca
L
Marmiroli
Luca
L
Caminiti
Giuseppe
G
Ragazzoni
Enzo
E
Cotroneo
Antonio Raffaele
AR
Cefaro
Giampiero Ausili
GA
Rapaccini
Gian Lodovico
GL
Gasbarrini
Giovanni
G
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy*; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D020127:Recovery of Function; D015996:Survival Rate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004317:Doxorubicin; D016190:Carboplatin