Hepatic arterial infusion in hepatocellular carcinoma: a single center experience

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a single center experience with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 20 patients treated for hepatocellular carcinoma between 1994 and 2007. Results. Most patients were treated with an HAI of doxorubicin and cisplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid. The response was not evaluable in the majority of patients, predominantly because of associated surgical procedure or because only one cycle of HAI was administered. The median progression-free survival was 7.7 months. The median survival of all patients was 12.2 months (5-year survival 5%). Serious adverse events were observed in 5 patients, and one patient died of liver failure in association with the administration of HAI. Conclusion. The data show the limited efficacy of HAI in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Biomarkers, inflammation and cancer: where to go?

“…This limitation can be circumvented by liver transplantation [12], but this approach is for medical or logistical reasons not feasible in the majority of patients. Other liver-directed therapeutic approaches like chemoembolization [13] or hepatic arterial infusion [14] and targeted therapies like sorafenib [15] may prolong life, but are not curative. Therefore, we are still searching for optimal therapy for this tumor that in the world-wide perspective counts among the most common malignant disorders.…”