Combination chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by major portal vein thrombosis

Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a poor prognosis, and the development of new therapeutic strategies is necessary. Here we report the efficacy of combination chemotherapy in our biochemical modulation. Synergistic effects of interferon-alpha-2b on 5-fluorouracil or cisplatin were demonstrated in Huh7 cells. The efficacy of methotrexate-5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and interferon-a-2b combination therapy was demonstrated in 34 patients with HCC complicated by major portal vein thrombosis. Among the 29 patients eligible for the study, there were 3 complete responders and 10 partial responders with an overall response rate of 45%. The 2-year survival of the 34 patients was 15%, and the median survival of complete and partial responders was 11 months. There was severe transient hematological toxicity. Eight patients suffered from renal insufficiency, and 4 of them underwent hemodialysis. Although a control study is clearly necessary, our combination therapy induced a good response in the patients with advanced HCC. On the basis of our results, intensive chemotherapy should be attempted in advanced HCC complicated by major portal vein invasion. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.