Inoperable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (inoperable + hepatocellular_carcinoma)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization for participants with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis

HEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2010
Jian-Hong Zhong
Aim:, The efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is positive, but for postoperative HCC, many studies have reported controversial results. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant TACE for participants with HCC. Methods:, Electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating postoperative adjuvant TACE for participants with HCC. Results:, Six RCT totaling 659 participants, of whom almost all were of stage IIIA HCC, were included. For the 1-year tumor recurrence rate, hepatectomy plus TACE showed statistically significant less incidence of recurrence, with a pooled risk ratio (RR) of 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55,0.84, P = 0.0003). For 1-year mortality, the trials were favorable for TACE with a pooled risk ratio of 0.48 (95% CI = 0.35,0.65, P < 0.00001). For 3-year mortality, the trials also revealed statistically significant less incidence, with a pooled risk ratio of 0.76 (95% CI = 0.64,0.90, P = 0.002). However, for 5-year mortality, TACE did not demonstrate statistically significant less incidence (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.81,1.08, P = 0.36). Transient fever and nausea/vomiting were reported as side-effects of TACE but were well tolerated by most participants. Conclusion:, Postoperative adjuvant TACE seems promising for participants with HCC with risk factors (multiple nodules of >5 cm or vascular invasion) but requires further trial. [source]


Long-term oral branched chain amino acids in patients undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomized trial

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 7 2004
R. T.-P.
Summary Background :,Patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma have advanced tumour or severe cirrhosis and frequently have associated protein-calorie malnutrition. The role of nutritional supplements for such patients is unclear. Aim :,To investigate, in a randomized controlled trial, any benefit of the long-term administration of branched chain amino acids in patients undergoing chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods :,Forty-one patients received oral branched chain amino acids for up to four courses of chemoembolization and 43 patients did not receive any nutritional supplement. Morbidity, liver function, nutritional status, quality of life and long-term survival were compared between the two groups. Results :,The administration of branched chain amino acids resulted in a lower morbidity rate compared with the control group (17.1% vs. 37.2%, P = 0.039). In particular, the group given branched chain amino acids showed a significantly lower rate of ascites (7.3% vs. 23.2%, P = 0.043) and peripheral oedema (9.8% vs. 27.9%, P = 0.034). Significantly higher serum albumin, lower bilirubin and a better quality of life were observed after chemoembolization in the group given branched chain amino acids. However, there was no significant difference in survival between the two groups. Conclusions :,Nutritional supplementation with oral branched chain amino acids is beneficial in increasing the serum albumin level, reducing the morbidity and improving the quality of life in patients undergoing chemoembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. [source]


Phase II study of irinotecan in combination with capecitabine as a first-line chemotherapy in Asian patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma

ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Tony MOK
Abstract Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly fatal malignancies in Asia but treatment options are limited. Methods: This multinational, nonrandomized phase II trial using the combination of irinotecan (Campto or CPT-11) and capecitabine (Xeloda) was conducted to determine efficacy and safety of this combination in Asian patients with advanced inoperable HCC. The starting dose was irinotecan 200 mg/m2 every 3 weeks followed by capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 orally twice daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest. The primary endpoint was tumor response rate, based on response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria. Secondary objectives included the safety and tolerability of the treatment combination, time to progression, duration of overall response, tumor growth control rate (complete response, partial response plus stable disease) and overall survival. Results: Of the 63 recruited patients, 47 were evaluable. Of these, three (6.4%) achieved a partial response (lasting 2.2, 3.4 and 8.0 months, respectively). The median overall survival was 4.5 months. Grade 4 diarrhea was reported in four patients. Hematologic grade 4 laboratory abnormalities observed in patients while on study treatment included neutropenia (5.2%) and anemia (1.7%). Seven patients (12.1%) had grade 4 elevations in their total bilirubin. Both irinotecan and capecitabine were generally well tolerated, with manageable and reversible toxicities. Conclusion: Combination therapy with irinotecan and capecitabine has limited efficacy in the treatment of advanced-stage HCC. Further investigation of this combination is not warranted. [source]


Factors predictive of 5-year survival after transarterial chemoembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2003
C. B. O'Suilleabhain
Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is widely used for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the long-term survival benefit remains unclear. Methods: Pretreatment variables were analysed for factors predictive of actual 5-year survival from a prospective database of patients with inoperable HCC treated by TACE between 1989 and 1996. Results: Complete 5-year follow-up (median 91 months) was obtained for 320 patients who underwent a median of 4 (range 1,41) TACEs. Median tumour size was 9 (range 1,28) cm. There were 25 5-year survivors (8 per cent), including eight with tumours larger than 10 cm in diameter and three with portal vein branch involvement. On univariate analysis, female gender (P = 0·037), absence of ascites (P = 0·028), platelet count below 150 ×109 per litre (P = 0·011), albumin concentration greater than 35 g/l (P = 0·04), ,-fetoprotein level below 1000 ng/ml (P = 0·007), unilobar tumour (P = 0·027), fewer than three tumours (P = 0·015), absence of venous invasion (P = 0·011), and tumour diameter less than 8 cm (P = 0·021) were significant predictors of 5-year survival. Albumin concentration greater than 35 g/l (P = 0·011), unilobar tumour (P = 0·012) and ,-fetoprotein level below 1000 ng/ml (P = 0·014) were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Five-year survival is possible with TACE for inoperable HCC, even in some patients with advanced tumours. Unilobar tumours, ,-fetoprotein level below 1000 ng/ml and albumin concentration greater than 35 g/l were factors predictive of 5-year survival. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]