The effect of transarterial chemoembolization therapy to survival and reduction of symtoms in unresectable liver tumors

Between January 2002- December 2008 patients with liver tumour were administered TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) and ascertained for tumour response, contribution of theraphy for improving symptoms and its effect on survivalIn this purpose 58 patients were administered TACE treatment. However, due to inadequate follow-ups 10 patients were excluded from the study. Of the 48 patients in follow up, 33 were HCC (Hepatocelluler carsinoma), 9 hemangiomas, 5 metastases and 1 patient was diagnosed gall bladder carsinoma. Lipiodol + epirubycin hidrochlorur emulsion was administered to HCC and metastatic patients 1-4 times(ave.1.44) via the hepatic artery selectively. Lipiodol only was administered 1-2 times via the hepatic artery selectively to hemangiomas. Patients were followed at 1., 2., and 4. months with abdomen CT, serum albumin, bilirubin, PT, AFP levels. Procedure was redone in case of growth in the initial mass size or enhancing solid portion of tumor in the CTIn our study, tumor size above 5 cm, diffuse involvement, ascites, serum albumin level below 2.8 mg/dl, bilirubin level above 3 mg/dl, Child C stage, Okuda III stage, serum AFP level above 400 IU/dl and low lipiodol involvement were considered as poor prognostic factors. Tumor size below 5 cm, nodularity, absence of ascites, serum albumin levels above 3.5 mg/dl, bilirubin levels below 1 mg/dl, Child A stage, Okuda I stage, high lipiodol involvement were considered as good prognostic factorsIn present study, we found that repetetive TACE procedures improved the survival in selected unresectable HCC patients. Further studies with larger study populations are needed to evaluate the efficacy of TACE in cases diagnosed with hemangioma and metastases for improving the symptoms and contribution to survival.Key words: Transarterial Chemoembolization, liver tumors, lipiodol