Combination transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization with thymosin alpha1 on recurrence prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To observe recurrence prevention on hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy by using TACE (transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization) with thymosin alpha1 postoperatively.


METHODS
From January 2000 to December 2002, 57 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (n=18) received hepatectomy plus TACE and thymosin alpha1 postoperatively, group B (n=23) received hepatectomy plus TACE postoperatively and group C (n=16) received hepatectomy only. The recurrent rate, recurrent time and median survival period for the three groups were observed and measured.


RESULTS
For group A, B and C, one-year recurrent rates were 83.3%, 87.0% and 87.5% (p=0.926), respectively. The recurrent time were 7.0, 5.0 and 4.0 months (p=0.039), respectively, and the median survival were 10.0, 7.0 and 8.0 months (p=0.002), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive therapy combining TACE plus Talpha1 postoperatively could not decrease the recurrent rate, but it might delay the recurrent time and prolong survival periods for hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy.
Shuqun
Cheng
C
Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Research Institute, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, PR China. chengshuqun@yahoo.com.cn
Mengchao
Wu
W
Han
Chen
C
Feng
Shen
S
Jiahe
Yang
Y
Wenming
Cong
C
Peiun
Wang
W
Yuxiang
Zhao
Z
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006498:Hepatectomy; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D000077596:Thymalfasin; D013947:Thymosin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D013947:Thymosin; D000077596:Thymalfasin