Hepatic artery chemoembolization for advanced stage HCC: experience of 650 patients

Hepatic artery chemotherapy using cisplatin in various protocols was examined in 650 patients. Overall objective tumor response rate (PR) was 65%. Average survival was 7.5 mo in patients with tumor progression, 18.0 mo for tumor stability and 32.0 mo for PR. 1- and 2-yr survival was 70% and 40% in responders, 20% and 0% in progressors. Prognostic factors were examined in 155 patients treated with cisplatin and gelfoam chemo-occlusion. In survival groups of > 24 mo, 4-24 mo and < 4 mo, similar numbers had cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and alcoholism. Decreased survival was associated with abnormal bilirubin, albumin and prothrombin time. Tumor vascularity and response to chemotherapy were associated with prolonged survival. Tumor vascularity seemed important for tumor response. Portal vein thrombosis occurred in all groups. Lesion number, bilobarity and maximum size had no correlation with response or survival. We analyzed the cause of death in 425 patients. No evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma progression, judged by absence of change in CT scan or tumor marker in the last 4 months of life, was found in 42%. A group of 57 patients were treated with cisplatin in dose range 125-200 mg/m2 alone or with gelfoam. In both groups, responders survived longer than non-responders: cisplatin alone responder mean survival, 29.0 mo, non-responder 11.1 mo, P < 0.0001. There was a strong effect of dose density on median survival for cisplatin alone, but not for cisplatin and gelfoam.

A large experience of single-agent cisplatin chemo-occlusion is summarized. Good liver function and tumor vascularity are associated with response to chemotherapy, which in turn is associated with enhanced survival. Many deaths are due to cirrhosis and not hepatocellular carcinoma.