[Effects of adjuvant surgical therapy for continuous regional therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma]

In order to repeat the effective transarterial embolization (TAE) or regional chemotherapy, adjuvant surgical therapies were performed for 25 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) having collateral feeders. The procedures involved the reduction of tumors with collateral feeders, permanent decollateralization using silicone rubber sheeting of the liver (WRAP therapy), and combination therapies. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of the patients after the adjuvant surgery were 67%, 18% and 5%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year survival rates of the patients after the initial TAE or arterial chemotherapy were 57% and 12%, respectively. On the other hand, the 3- and 5-year survival rates of patients who had TAE alone (n = 443) were 29% and 14%, respectively. Consequently, this adjuvant surgical therapy may be a useful palliative treatment for HCC.