Combination chemoembolization therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: mainly, using cisplatin (CDDP)

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Medicine
• Interventional Oncology
• Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer.
• Chemoembolization is a locoregional therapy for HCC.
• Assessing the efficacy of different chemotherapeutic agents in chemoembolization is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anticancer effects of chemoembolization therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
• To compare the tumor regression rates of different chemoembolic agent mixtures.

Main Methods:

• Chemoembolization was performed on 77 HCC patients between 1985 and 1987.
• Tumor regression was assessed using computerized tomography measurements before and after treatment.
• Three different chemoembolic agent mixtures were compared: cisplatin and lipiodol; cisplatin, adriamycin, and lipiodol; and adriamycin, mitomycin C, and lipiodol.

Main Results:

• A tumor regression rate of 50% or more was observed in 31% of patients treated with cisplatin and lipiodol.
• The cisplatin, adriamycin, and lipiodol group showed a 50% or greater tumor regression rate in 29% of cases.
• The adriamycin, mitomycin C, and lipiodol group had a 50% or greater tumor regression rate in 13% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Chemoembolization using cisplatin demonstrated a more significant antitumor effect in HCC compared to other tested drug combinations.
• Cisplatin-based chemoembolization appears to be a more effective treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.