Intra-arterial versus systemic chemotherapy for non-operable hepatocellular carcinoma
Tzoracoleftherakis, E.E.; Spiliotis, J.D.; Kyriakopoulou, T.; Kakkos, S.K.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 46(26): 1122-1125
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 10370678 Document Number: 1690
BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare intra-arterial (regional) hepatic chemotherapy with doxorubicin, to the systemic (intravenous) one in patients with non-resectable (Stage IVA) hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-two patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma were randomized to receive doxorubicin 50mg/m2 as a bolus infusion either via an implantable intra-arterial catheter (Group A) or as systemic chemotherapy (Group B) every 21-28 days. RESULTS: Patients of Group A had a higher rate of objective and subjective remissions and Karnofsky performance status improvement in comparison to Group B. The mean survival was 7 months (range: 2-16) for Group A and 6.5 months (range: 1-13) for Group B, but this difference was not statistically significant. The quality of life remained at an acceptable level until death in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A slight but not statistically significant superiority of intra-arterial chemotherapy against the systemic one is concluded.
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