[Transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization using microencapsulated mitomycin C (MMCmc)].

Thirty-six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by hepatic arterial chemoembolization of microencapslated mitomycin C (MMCmc). The infusion cannulae were placed in the hepatic artery by the Soldinger method, and 10 to 40 mg of MMCmc was injected 1 to 4 times (total doses, 10-110 mg). The evaluation of anti-tumor effects revealed 12 partial responses in 27 evaluable lesions and response rates were 44%. The serum AFP levels were decreased in 70% of patients. The survival rate for 12 months was 35% in all patients, but 67% at Stage III. The control of liver function is also important, because the hepatic failure and esophageal varices were the main causes of death. Side effects such as fever and pain were seen in 70%, but they were mild.