Arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma using EPF and EAP therapies

Arterial infusion chemotherapy of EPF (etoposide, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) or EAP (etoposide, Adriamycin, and cisplatin) was carried out in 28 cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between January 1988 and December 1990, and assessment was made of the anticancer efficacy of each treatment method. In all, 13 patients were treated with EPF therapy and 15 received EAP therapy. The anticancer agents were infused through a catheter inserted into the proper or common hepatic artery. The catheter was inserted via the axillary artery or common femoral artery using Seldinger's method or the cut-down method. The results of each therapy were analyzed in relation to the tumor regression rate and the side effects encountered. The tumor regression rate was determined on the basis of two-dimensional evidence obtained by computed tomography performed before and after treatment. The treatment results were also compared with the results of chemoembolization therapy using a mixture of cisplatin (CDDP), Adriamycin (ADM) and lipiodol. Of the 28 patients treated with arterial infusion chemotherapy, 14 (50%) attained a regression rate of 50% (PR). In all, 46% of the EPF group and 53% of the EAP group achieved a PR. These results were superior to those obtained using chemoembolization therapy. In general, the side effects were relatively mild and transient.