Treating small hepatocellular carcinomas

Article Abstract:

The best strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown. Hepatocellular carcinomas are a type of liver cancer that is almost always preceded by cirrhosis. Survival rates depend primarily on tumor size and to what degree cirrhosis compromises liver function. Screening people with cirrhosis can detect hepatocellular carcinomas while they are still small enough for good outcomes from treatment. Liver transplantation treats both the cancer and the cirrhosis and survival rates and recurrence-free survival rates are good, providing tumors were few and small. However, patients must have good liver function, and waiting lists may be long. Survival rates following surgical removal have improved with intraoperative ultrasound imaging to detect missed tumors. Chemically occluding blood vessels supplying the tumor and chemotherapy are useful treatments. Injecting alcohol and blocking blood vessels extend life in patients with inoperative tumors. Prevention is best. Immunizing against hepatitis B reduces risk, and interferon alfa shows promise of preventing cancer due to hepatitis C infection.

Health aspects, Liver, Liver transplantation, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation, Liver cirrhosis

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Therapy of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Patients with liver cancer who are treated with arterial chemoembolization should be counseled on the benefits and risks of the procedure. This treatment involves injecting anti-cancer drugs directly into the hepatic artery that supplies blood to the liver. This is done to increase exposure of the tumor to the drugs and spare the rest of the body from their side effects. Often, gelatin particles are also injected to hold the drug in the tumor for long periods of time. But a 1995 study found that an oily substance called Lipiodol did not substantially prolong survival in patients with advanced liver cancer when it was mixed with their drugs. Many of the patients developed liver failure and spent more time in the hospital. It is possible that patients with smaller tumors and no other liver disease may benefit from this treatment. However, the treatment is expensive and can produce severe side effects.

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A comparison of Lipiodol chemoembolization and conservative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Chemoembolization with Lipiodol may not significantly prolong life in patients with liver cancer. Sometimes anti-cancer drugs are injected directly into the hepatic artery and the drugs may remain in the tumor longer if mixed with an oily substance called Lipiodol. Of 96 patients with liver cancer, 50 received four courses of Lipiodol injections mixed with cisplatin and 46 were given conservative treatment with pain medications and treatment for complications. Over a four-year period, 39 patients who received Lipiodol injections died and 40 patients who were treated conservatively died. Although tumor size was reduced in the patients treated with Lipiodol, many experienced liver failure and other complications. There was no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups.

Evaluation, Excipients

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