Intra-arterial chemo-embolisation of non-resectable hepato-cellular carcinomas

During a period of nine months, fifteen patients with extensive hepato-cellular carcinomas were subjected to palliative arterial chemo-embolisation using doxorubicin and cisplatin in an emulsion with Lipiodol and/or Spherex particles. Two patients (stage Child C) died within two weeks as the result of liver failure. The remaining thirteen patients showed improvement in their general condition. Subsequent CT showed evidence of tumour reduction and reduction of ascites. Gas production in the tumour was considered as evidence of tumour necrosis. Biochemical results confirmed these findings with a fall of AFP as tumour marker indicating tumour regression.