Double chemoembolization of hepatic carcinoma by TACE and portal vein PCS

Objective To study the method and efficacy of double chemoembolization of hepatic carcinoma by transcatheter arterial cheomembolization (TACE) and portal vein port catheter system (PCS). Methods PCS was implanted in portal vein in 17 cases of irresectable primary hepatocellular cancer (HCC) during operation. One month later, chemoembolization of portal vein via PCS was performed, meanwhile TACE was also done (hepatic arterial portable vein chemoembolization, HA PVCE). A total of 120 cases of HCC treated simply with TACE were served as the control. Results The technical success rate was 100% in both TACE and portal vein PCS. Hepatic arteriography showed rich or moderate blood supply of HCC in 134 cases and PCS portography showed tumor staining in 6 cases. In groups of HA PVCE and TACE, the positive alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level decreased in 80% and 71.6% cases; half a year survival rate was 85.7% and 74.4%, and one year survival rate was 71.4% and 52.4%, respectively. Conclusion Double chemoembolization by TACE and portal vein PCS is a safe procedure with high technique success rate and therapeutic efficacy for irresectable hepatic carcinoma.