Electrochemical therapy for intermediate and advanced liver cancer: a report of 50 cases

Fifty cases of primary liver cancer were treated by electrochemical therapy (ECT). Tumour size ranged from 3.5 to 21.0 cm. ECT was performed by administration of 6-10 V, 50-100 mA and an electric quantity of 300-1000 C. Duration of treatment was one and a half to four hours. There was an inverse relationship between tumour size and curative effect. There was no death within three months of treatment. Six- and 12-month survival was 88% and 69%, respectively. In conclusion, ECT is an effective treatment which prolongs the patients' life. We have found the method to be of practical value in the management of liver cancers in the intermediate or advanced stage.