Functional MR imaging can demonstrate the CNS pathway for acupuncture stimulation. Acupuncture at ST.36 and LI.4 activates structures of descending antinociceptive pathway and deactivates multiple limbic areas subserving pain association. These findings may shed light on the CNS mechanism of acupuncture analgesia and form a basis for future investigations of endogenous pain modulation circuits in the human brain.

Background. This randomized controlled study was objectively designed to evaluate the utility cisplatin (50 mg) in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. From May 1991 to July 1993, 46 patients were included in the study. All had a pathologic verification of HCC. Clinically, all of the patients were considered inoperable. However, these patients satisfied eligibility criteria for TAE. The patients were divided into two groups by random sampling. In group I, 22 patients received TAE with the regimen of cisplatin (50 mg) mixed with Lipiodol 5‐15 ml followed by gelfoam pieces. In group II, 24 patients, as a controlled group, used the regimen of Lipiodol and gelfoam (Spongostan Film, Ferrosan, Denmark) pieces only, without adding any anticancer drug. The two groups were evaluated by a series of imaging studies and various clinical examinations before and after TAE. Subsequently, TAE was performed every 2 or 3 months for all patients until there was no visible tumor, or the patient could not sustain further TAE, or the patient died. Results. In group I, TAE was administered 61 times (average 2 8 times for each patient), and in group II, 73 times (average 3 times for each patient). The 1‐year and 2‐year survival rates of group I were 52.5% and 26.2%, and group II were 72.5% and 39.5%. Statistically, there was no significant difference in survival curves and survival rates between these two groups. Tumor response rate of group I was 68% (15/22) and group II was 67% (16/24). There was no significant difference in tumor response be tween these two groups. The liver and renal function studies after TAE also showed no significant difference between these two groups. Conclusions. Based on this controlled study, the authors conclude that the addition of cisplatin does not enhance the therapeutic effect of TAE for treatment of HCC.

Long retention of the alcohol in a single-injection technique is safe and effective. Two-hour alcohol retention has a comparable efficacy to that of 4-hour retention.