Lyso-thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin: a novel approach to enhance efficacy of thermal ablation of liver cancer.
BACKGROUND
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. No more than 30% of HCC patients receive curative treatment. Factors limiting curative therapy include tumor size and degree of liver impairment.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a cure for medium (3.1-5.0 cm) and large (>5 cm) tumors in seriously impaired livers.


METHODS
Combine radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with lyso-thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (LTLD).


CONCLUSIONS
RFA is used safely in patients with medium/large tumors and severe liver impairment; unclear tumor margins limit its curative efficacy. LTLD concentrates in the liver, where the anti-HCC chemotherapeutic, doxorubicin, is released into tumor margins by hyperthermia. RFA/LTLD can treat Child-Pugh class A-B patients with tumors up to 7 cm, a substantial increase in curable patients.
Poon
Ronnie T P
RT
University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Department of Surgery, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China. poontp@hkucc.hku.hk
Borys
Nicholas
N
D000818:Animals; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008081:Liposomes; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D008081:Liposomes; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines; D004317:Doxorubicin