Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

AIM: To evaluate the prognostic factors and efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis. METHODS: Fifty hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) were treated using hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) via a subcutaneously implanted port. The epirubicin-cisplatin-5-fluorouracil (ECF) chemotherapeutic regimen consisted of 35 mg/m 2 epirubicin on day 1, 60 mg/m 2 cisplatin for 2 h on day 2, and 500 mg/m 2 5-fluorouracil for 5 h on days 1-3. The treatments were repeated every 3 or 4 wk. RESULTS: Three (6%) of the 50 patients achieved a complete response (CR), 13 (26%) showed partial responses (PR), and 22 (44%) had stable disease (SD).The median survival and time to progression were 7 and 2 mo, respectively. After 2 cycles of HAIC, CR was achieved in 1 patient (2%), PR in 10 patients (20%) and SD in 26 patients (52%). Significant pre-treatment prognostic factors were a tumor volume of < 400 cm 3 (P = 0.01) and normal levels of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist (PIVKA)-Ⅱ (P = 0.022). After 2 cycles of treatment, disease control (CR + PR + SD) (P = 0.001), PVTT response (P = 0.003) and α-fetoprotein reduction of over 50% (P = 0.02) were independent factors for survival. Objective response (CR + PR), disease control, PVTT response, and combination therapy during the HAIC were also significant prognostic factors. Adverse events were tolerable and successfully managed. CONCLUSION: HAIC may be an effective treatment modality for advanced HCC with PVTT in patients with tumors < 400 cm 3 and good prognostic factors.     

Efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using floxuridine (FUDR) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confined to the liver.METHODS: Thirty-four patients who had advanced HCC with unresectability or unsuccessful previous therapy in the absence of extrahepatic metastasis were treated with intra-arterial FUDR chemotherapy at our hospital between March 2005 and May 2008. Among the 34 patients, 9 patients were classified as Child class C, and 18 patients had portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). One course of chemotherapy consisted of continuous infusion of FUDR (0.3 mg/kg during day 1-14) and dexamethasone (10 mg on day 1, 4, 7 and 11), and this treatment was repeated every 28 d.RESULTS: Two patients (5.9%) displayed a complete response, and 12 patients (35.3%) had a partial response. The tumor control rate was 61.8%. The median overall survival times were 15.3 mo, 12.4 mo and 4.3 mo for the patients who were classified as Child class A, Child class B and Child class C, respectively (P = 0.0392). The progression-free survival was 12.9 mo, 7.7 mo and 2.6 mo for the patients who were classified as Child class A, Child class B and Child class C, respectively (P = 0.0443). The cumulative survival differed significantly according to the Child-Pugh classification and the presence of PVTT. In addition to hepatic reserve capacity and PVTT, the extent of HCC was an independent factor in determining a poor prognosis. The most common adverse reactions to HAIC were mucositis, diarrhea and peptic ulcer disease, but most of these complications were improved by medical treatment and/or a delay of HAIC.CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that intra-arterial FUDR chemotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for advanced HCC that is recalcitrant to other therapeutic modalities, even in patients with advanced cirrhosis.     

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied by portal vein tumor thrombus

INTRODUCTIONRecent progress in imaging techniques has permitted the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an early stage. However, portal venous invasion is still found in 12.5%-39.7% of patients with HCC[1-5]. According to the 16th National Surv…     

Pathological Complete Remission of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis by Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

Cures for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) are rare and difficult. We report a case of pathologically confirmed complete remission of HCC induced by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). A 45-year-old male patient had a massive HCC in the right lobe of the liver and tumor thrombus in the right and main portal veins. He achieved a partial response after two cycles of HAIC with 5-fluorouracil (750 mg/m²) and cisplatin (25 mg/m²). After the completion of six cycles he received a curative partial hepatectomy, and histopathology revealed complete necrosis without any viable tumor cell. He was in good health at a 4-month follow-up. These results suggest that this regimen is a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment of advanced HCC with PVTT.     

Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy in Combination with Pegylated Interferon-α-2b for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background/Aims: We previously reported that combination therapy comprising hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with 3 drugs, namely, cisplatin (CDDP), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (low-dose FP) and isovorin and interferon (IFN)-α-2b was not beneficial for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the efficacy of combination therapy comprising HAIC and pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α-2b in advanced HCC patients by comparing our results with previous data. Methodology: From a total of 29 patients, 12 received HAIC and PEGIFN- α-2b (PEG-IFN group) and 17 received HAIC and IFN-α-2b (IFN group). There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. Results: The response rate was 33.3% (complete response (CR)=1; partial response (PR)=3) in the PEGIFN group and 47.1% (PR=8) in the IFN group. The 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 50%, 25% and 8%, respectively, in the PEG-IFN group, whereas they were 53%, 18% and 12%, respectively, in the IFN group. There were no significant differences in the response rate (p=0.251) and survival (p=0.938) between the two groups. Conclusions: We found that combination therapy comprising HAIC using low-dose FP with isovorin and PEG-IFN-α-2b was not beneficial for advanced HCC.     

Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis: Clinical Characteristics, Prognosis, and Patient Survival Analysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is associated with a poor prognosis. New therapeutic modalities, such as continuous hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (CHAIC), have recently been reported to be promising strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and survival of patients with PVTT according to treatment regimen. One hundred ninety-three patients with HCC complicated with PVTT at the time of diagnosis were included in this study. All patients were newly diagnosed to have HCC and were observed from January 1992 to December 2003. CHAIC was performed using an implanted drug delivery system with low-dose cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Clinical characteristics, prognosis, and patient survival were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model. The mean age of the patients complicated with PVTT was 64.3+/-10.3 years (range, 20-88 years). The survival of the 193 patients with PVTT was 37.5%, 24.0%, 18.9%, and 8.3% at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. According to treatment, the survival of patients who underwent surgical treatment was the best, followed by CHAIC, transcatheter arterial infusion/embolization, and supportive care. The 3-year survivals for each treatment regimen were 53.0%, 19.3%, 15.0%, and 4.0%, respectively. Although the survival of patients who received surgical treatment was best, such patients were restricted. There was no difference in survival between treated and untreated patients demonstrating Child-Pugh grade C. In Child B patients, treatment for HCC significantly increased survival (P<0.01). Cox's proportional hazards model revealed the Child-Pugh classification to be an independent prognostic factor for patients with HCC and PVTT (P<0.01). We conclude that the prognosis of HCC with PVTT was quite poor. The treatment did not improve the survival of Child C patients. As a result, the prevention, early diagnosis, and development of new treatment strategies are required.     

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Is the addition of subcutaneous interferon‐α‐2b beneficial?

Aim:  We previously reported the benefits of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using cisplatin (CDDP), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) [low-dose FP], and leucovorin/isovorin for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the efficacy of combination therapy with HAIC and subcutaneous interferon (IFN)- α-2b in patients with advanced HCC.
Methods:  Of the 48 patients, 31 received low-dose FP with leucovorin/isovorin (HAIC group) and 17 received combination therapy comprising low-dose FP with isovorin and subcutaneous IFN-α-2b (combination group). Prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses of the patient and the disease characteristics.
Results:  There were no significant differences in the response rate (patients with complete or partial response/all patients; P  = 0.736) and survival ( P  = 0.399) between both groups. Univariate analysis revealed that IFN therapy was not a significant prognostic factor. Multivariate analysis showed 3 variables, namely, Child–Pugh score ( P  = 0.010), α-fetoprotein level ( P  = 0.0047), and additional therapy ( P  = 0.002), to be significant prognostic factors.
Conclusions:  We considered that combination therapy with HAIC and subcutaneous interferon (IFN)-α-2b was not beneficial for advanced HCC.     

Efficacy of iron chelator deferoxamine for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients refractory to current treatments

The prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor. For patients with advanced HCC, the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is recommended as the current standard of care. In contrast, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is one of the recommended treatments in Japan. However, in Japan, the use of sorafenib versus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for first-line treatment remains unclear, because there have been no randomized controlled trials comparing HAIC with sorafenib. HAIC can substantially prolong survival in patients with complete and partial response, while non-responders may be suitable candidates for sorafenib therapy. Nonetheless, HAIC non-responders with deteriorated liver function currently have no treatment options. We have shown the efficacy of an alternative therapy, the iron chelator deferoxamine, for advanced HCC patients with deteriorated liver function. Iron chelators may have future therapeutic possibilities in this patient population.     

Prognostic factors in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma receiving hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

Background The prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor. We aimed to clarify the prognostic factors in patients with advanced HCC receiving hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC).Methods Forty-four HCC patients were treated with HAIC, using low-dose cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with/without leucovorin (or isovorin). Of these 44 patients, 15 received low-dose CDDP and 5-FU, and 29 received low-dose CDDP, 5-FU, and leucovorin or isovorin. Prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses of patient and disease characteristics.Results Of all patients, 5 and 12 patients respectively, exhibited a complete response (CR) and a partial response (PR) (response rate, 38%). The response rate (48.3%) in the low-dose CDDP and 5-FU with leucovorin/isovorin group was significantly better than that (20%) in the low-dose CDDP and 5-FU group (P = 0.002). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates of the 44 patients were 39%, 18%, 12%, and 9%, respectively. The regimen using low-dose CDDP and 5-FU with leucovorin/isovorin tended to improve survival rates (P = 0.097). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed the same variables—the Child-Pugh score (P = 0.013, P = 0.018), -fetoprotein (AFP) level (P = 0.010, P = 0.009), and therapeutic effect after HAIC (P = 0.003, P = 0.01), respectively, to be significant prognostic factors.Conclusions Patients who had advanced HCC with favorable hepatic reserve capacity and a lower AFP level were suitable candidates for HAIC. Moreover, the regimen using low-dose CDDP and 5-FU with leucovorin/isovorin may be suitable for advanced HCC patients, because of the improvement in the response rate and survival compared with the low-dose CDDP and 5-FU regimen without leucovorin/isovorin.     

Efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in combination with irradiation for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion

Background

The presence of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is a poor prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). The purpose of this study was to determine the treatment effect of irradiation in combination with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the outcome of 67 HCC patients with PVTT of the main trunk or first branch who received HAIC alone or with concurrent irradiation for PVTT (CCRT).

Results

Thirty-four patients received HAIC, and 33 patients received CCRT. The time to progression (TTP) of PVTT in the CCRT group was significantly longer than in the HAIC group (p < 0.01), and the TTP of intrahepatic nodules in the CCRT group tended to be longer than in the HAIC group (p = 0.06). The objective response rates of intrahepatic nodules (52 vs. 18 %, p < 0.01) and PVTT (45 vs. 18 %, p = 0.01) were both significantly higher in the CCRT group than in the HAIC group, respectively. No significant difference in overall survival was found between the two groups (p = 0.14); however, the median survival time in the CCRT group was longer than that in the HAIC group (12.4 vs. 5.7 months, respectively).

Conclusions

CCRT might be a promising treatment for advanced-stage HCC with PVTT. CCRT prolonged the TTP of intrahepatic nodules and PVTT, and it improved the objective response rate of intrahepatic nodules and PVTT.

     

Efficacy of different treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) and investigate factors influencing prognosis. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-nine HCC patients with macroscopic PVTT were enrolled in this study. They were divided into four groups and underwent different treatments: conservative treatment group (n = 18), chemotherapy group (n = 53), surgical resection group (n = 24) and surgical resection with postoperative chemotherapy group (n = 84). Survival rates of the patients were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. A log-rank analysis was performed to identify group differences. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to analyze variables associated with survival. RESULTS: The mean survival periods of the patients in four groups were 3.6, 7.3,10.1, and 15.1 mo respectively. There were significant differences in the survival rates among the groups. The survival rates at 0.5-, 1-, 2-, and 3-year in surgical resection with postoperative chemotherapy group were 55.8%, 39.3%, 30.4%, and 15.6% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of other groups (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the strategy of treatment (P<0.001) and the number of chemotherapy cycles (P = 0.012) were independent survival predictors for patients with HCC and PVTT. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of HCC and PVTT combined with postoperative chemotherapy or chemoembolization is the most effective therapeutic strategy for the patients who can tolerate operation. Multiple chemotherapeutic courses should be given postoperatively to the patients with good hepatic function reserve.     

A case of chronic hepatitis C virus-related advanced hepatocelluar carcinoma surviving more than 8 years]

A 64-year-old man was admitted for further examinations of a liver tumor. The patient was diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C complicated with advanced hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) with left portal vein tumor thrombosis. As he refused surgical treatment, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil was performed initially. Administration of ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA) was also started. Following HAIC, microwave coagulation therapy for residual tumor was added. Consequently, viable lesions of HCC disappeared completely. At present, after more than 8 years, neither signs of tumor recurrence, nor elevation of hepatic enzymes has been observed. Although the precise reason for long survival of this patient is not known, we speculate that suppression of levels of hepatic enzymes, as well as HAIC for subclinical intrahepatic metastasis, contributed to the good outcome. Therapeutic strategy for hepatic inflammation seems to be important for long-term prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis.     

Chemoembolization alone vs combined chemoembolization and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma patients

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of chemoem-bolization alone or chemoembolization combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC),including oxaliplatin(OXA),5-fluorouracil(5-FU) and folinic acid(CF),in inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) without distant metastasis. METHODS: Eighty-four inoperable HCC patients were enrolled. Thirty-ninepatient sunderwent chemoembolization alone,and the other 45 patients underwent chemoembolization + HAIC(OXA/5-FU/CF) treatment non-randomly. The progression free survival(PFS),objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR) and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: A significant difference in the ORR was observed between the chemoembolization alone and chemoembolization + HAIC groups. There was no statistically significant difference in DCR between the two groups. The median PFS(m PFS) showed a significant difference between the two groups. For patients with BCLC stage A/B disease,with or without vessel invasion,the chemoembolization + HAIC group showed better m PFS when compared to chemoembolization alone,but no significant difference was found in patients with BCLC stage C disease. The parameter of pain(grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ) in the chemoembolization + HAIC group was increased statistically. CONCLUSION: Chemoembolization combined with HAIC with OXA/5-FU/CF may be safe and more effective than chemoembolization alone for inoperable HCC patients without distant metastasis.     

Long-term clinical outcomes of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin with or without 5-fluorouracil in locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose  

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has often been used as a therapeutic option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HAIC using cisplatin with or without 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced HCC.     

Improved survival for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis treated by intra-arterial chemotherapy combining etoposide, carboplatin, epirubicin and pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy by 5-FU and enteric-coated tegafur/uracil： A pilot study

AIM： To investigate the poor prognosis of HCC with PVTT, we evaluated the efficacy by a new combination chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） with portal vein tumor thrombus （PVTT）.
METHODS： From 2002 to 2007, a total of 10 consecutive patients with Stage IVA HCC accompanied by PVTT were studied prospectively to examine the efficacy of treatment by intra-arterial infusion of a chemotherapeutic agents consisting of etoposide, carboplatin, epirubicin and pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy by 5-FU and enteric-coated tegafur/uracil.
RESULTS： The mean course of chemotherapy was 14.4 （range, 9-21） too. One patient showed complete response （CR） with disappearance of HCC and PVI-F after treatment, and the two patients showed partial response （PR）, response rate （CR ＋ PR/All cases 30%）. The median survival time after the therapy was 457.2 d. The one-year survival rate was 70%. Adverse reactions were tolerable.
CONCLUSION： Although the prognosis of most patients with Stage IVA HCC by PVTT is poor, our combination chemotherapy may induces long-term survival and is an effective treatment and produced anti-tumor activity with tolerable adverse effects in patients for advanced Stage IVA HCC accompanied by PVTT.     

Significance of hepatic resection and adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus in the first branch of portal vein and the main portal trunk: a project study for hepatic surgery of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery

Background

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus in the major portal vein (PV) is extremely poor. The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of hepatic resection for HCC with tumor thrombus in the major PV.

Patients

Four hundred patients undergoing macroscopic curative resection for HCC involving the first branch or trunk of the PV between 2001 and 2010 at the 22 institutions were enrolled. We examined the effect of adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) on prognosis and validated the prognostic index consisting of ascites, prothrombin activity, and maximal tumor diameter.

Results

Median survival time (MST) and 5‐year overall survival rate were 21.5 months and 25.7%. MST of HAIC group was longer than that of non‐HAIC group (28.1 months vs. 18.7 months, P = 0.0024). Significant prognostic factors for overall survival were PIVKA‐II, tumor diameter, and adjuvant HAIC. MST for patients with prognostic index 0, 1, 2, and 3 was 39.0, 21.1, 18.9, and 5.7 months, respectively (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Macroscopic curative resection with adjuvant HAIC might provide better survival outcome. Furthermore, the prognostic index was useful to select adequate treatment modalities for patients with HCC with tumor thrombosis in the major PV.     

Is hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy effective treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma resistant to transarterial chemoembolization?

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resistant to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).METHODS: This study was conducted on 42 patients who received HAIC for advanced HCC between 2001 and 2010 at our hospital. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was administered continuously for 24 h from day 1 to day 5 every 2-4 wk via an injection reservoir. Intra-arterial cisplatin or subcutaneous interferon was administered in combination with the 5-FU. The patients enrolled in this retrospective study were divided into two groups according to whether or not they fulfilled the criteria for resistance to TACE proposed by the Japan Society of Hepatology in 2010 (written in Japanese); one group of patients who did not fulfill the criteria for TACE resistance (group A, n = 23), and another group who fulfilled the criteria for TACE resistance (group B, n = 19). We compared the outcomes in terms of the response and survival rates between the two groups.RESULTS: Both the response rate and tumor suppression rate following HAIC were significantly superior in group A than in group B (response rate: 48% vs 16%, P = 0.028, tumor suppression rate: 87% vs 53%, P = 0.014). Furthermore, both the progression-free survival rate and survival time were significantly superior in group A than in group B (3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-mo = 83%, 70%, 29% and 20% vs 63%, 42%, 16% and 0%, respectively, P = 0.040, and 9.8 mo vs 6.2 mo, P = 0.040). A multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards regression model) showed that resistance to TACE was an independent predictor of poor survival (P = 0.007).CONCLUSION: HAIC administrating 5-FU was not effective against advanced HCC resistant to TACE. Other tools for treatment, i.e., molecular-targeting agents may be considered for these cases.     

Adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy after radical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma--results of long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This clinical study aimed to clarify the effectiveness and indication of adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) that is performed to prevent recurrence after radical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODOLOGY: From January 1986 to December 1992, 135 HCC patients, who tolerated curative hepatic resection in which all of the macroscopic HCC was removed, were included in this study. They were divided into two groups. One group was comprised of 68 patients who received HAIC after radical hepatectomy (HAIC (+) group), and the other group was comprised of 67 patients who received radical hepatectomy alone (HAIC (-) group). In the HAIC (+) group, an emulsion of doxorubicin (30-50 mg) and lipiodol (3-5 ml) was injected from a reservoir every 2 or 3 months for 1 year. RESULTS: The cumulative survival rates in the HAIC (+) group (79.1%, 54.5% and 39.9% at 3, 5, and 7 years after hepatectomy, respectively) were better than those in the HAIC (-) group (69.2%, 38.1% and 26.8%, respectively) (p = 0.086). The disease-free survival rates in the HAIC (+) group (50.8%, 31.7% and 25.6% at 3, 5, and 7 years after hepatectomy, respectively) were significantly better than those in the HAIC (-) group (25.7%, 20.6% and 6.4%, respectively) (p = 0.006). This improvement was evident for 3 years after hepatectomy. The adjuvant HAIC was effective especially in patients with good liver function, whose tumor size ranged between 2.1 cm and 5 cm in diameter, and who received a minor hepatic resection. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant HAIC was effective in preventing recurrence after radical hepatectomy for HCC. This treatment is especially indicated for patients with good liver function, whose tumor size ranges between 2.1 cm and 5 cm in diameter, and who have received a minor hepatic resection.     

Improved survival for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis treated by intra-arterial chemotherapy combining etoposide, carboplatin, epirubicin and pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy by 5-FU and enteric-coated tegafur/uracil: A p

AIM: To investigate the poor prognosis of HCC with PVTT, we evaluated the efficacy by a new combination chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).METHODS: From 2002 to 2007, a total of 10 consecutive patients with Stage IVA HCC accompanied by PVTT were studied prospectively to examine the efficacy of treatment by intra-arterial infusion of a chemotherapeutic agents consisting of etoposide, carboplatin, epirubicin and pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy by 5-FU and enteric-coated tegafur/uracil.RESULTS: The mean course of chemotherapy was 14.4 (range, 9-21) mo. One patient showed complete response (CR) with disappearance of HCC and PVTT after treatment, and the two patients showed partialresponse (PR), response rate (CR + PR/All cases 30%).The median survival time after the therapy was 457.2 d. The one-year survival rate was 70%. Adverse reactions were tolerable.CONCLUSION: Although the prognosis of most patients with Stage IVA HCC by PVTT is poor, our combination chemotherapy may induces long-term survival and is an effective treatment and produced anti-tumor activity with tolerable adverse effects in patients for advanced Stage IVA HCC accompanied by PVTT.     

Treatment strategies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Sorafenib vs hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

Sorafenib is used worldwide as a first-line standardsystemic agent for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) on the basis of the results of two large-scale Phase Ⅲ trials. Conversely,hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC) is one of the most recommended treatments in Japan. Although there have been no randomized controlled trials comparing sorafenib with HAIC,several retrospective analyses have shown no significant differences in survival between the two therapies. Outcomes are favorable for HCC patients exhibiting macroscopic vascular invasion when treated with HAIC rather than sorafenib,whereas in HCC patients exhibiting extrahepatic spread or resistance to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,good outcomes are achieved by treatment with sorafenib rather than HAIC. Additionally,sorafenib is generally used to treat patients with Child-Pugh A,while HAIC is indicated for those with either Child-Pugh A or B. Based on these findings,we reviewed treatment strategies for advanced HCC. We propose that sorafenib might be used as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC patients without macroscopic vascular invasion or Child-Pugh A,while HAIC is recommended for those with macroscopic vascular invasion or Child-Pugh A or B. Additional research is required to determine the best second-line treatment for HAIC non-responders with Child-Pugh B through future clinical trials.