Superselective intraarterial chemoembolization therapy in medium-end stage hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus of portal vein

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of superselecti ve intraarterial chemoembolization therapy in patients of medium-end stage hepat ocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus of portal vien . Methods Retrospectiv e study were given to 45 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor throm bus of portal vein. All the tumor thrombus were confirmed by ultrasonography, co mputed tomography or angiography. All received hepatic arterial chemoembolizatio n with lipiodol and(or) gelfoam. Results 50% tumor size reduction was seen in 13.33% ( 6/45) of patients, 25% ～ 50% was seen in 24.44% ( 11/45) , no significant change in 44.44% ( 20/45) , tumor enlargement was observed i n 17.78% ( 8/45) .The disappearance rate of portal vein tumor thrombus was 24 .44% ( 11/45) , reduction rate 40% ( 18/45) , no significant change 35.56 % ( 16/45) . The 6,12,24 ,36 month survival rates were 57.78% , 35.56% ( 16/45) , 15.56% ( 7/45) , 2.22% ( 1/45) , respectively. Conclusion It seems that hepatocellular carcrinoma with tumor thrombus of portal vein should be actively treated with hepatic arterial chemoembolization, as long as they hav e acceptable liver function and can endure the procedure, in order to get a prol onged survival time.