[Survival in 46 patients with hepatocarcinoma treated by chemoembolization]

In this paper we report the results we obtained after chemoembolization in 46 patients with HCC in cirrhosis. Chemoembolization is performed by introducing, through an angiographic catheter placed after the origin of the gastroduodenal artery, 20 mg of Doxorubicin Chlorhydrate mixed with 20 ml of Lipiodol and with 10 ml of contrast agent followed by embolization with Spongostan. Chemoembolization results were assessed comparing site, size and local spread of the tumor, hepatic compromission (according to Child's classification) and number of chemoembolization maneuvers with survival in each patient. Overall survival rates are 95.7% at 6 months, 88.5% at 12 months, 60% at 18 months, 36.4% at 24 and 31.8% at 30 months. The best responses were obtained with lesions smaller than 5 cm (100% survival at 6 months, 91.7% at 12 months, 71.4% at 18 and 42.8% at 24 months). Other factors favoring good treatment response were a single lesion (92.9% at 6 months, 91.7% at 12 months, 71.4% at 18 and 42.8% at 24 months), at least 3 cycles of chemoembolization (100% at 6 months, 90% at 12 months, 85.7% at 18 and 42.8% at 24 months) and a low degree of hepatic compromission (Child A and B rather than Child C; in the latter group the survival rates were 75% a 6 months and 0% at 12 months). In conclusion, chemoembolization proves to be the treatment of choice in the HCC patients who cannot undergo surgery.