Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with molecule-targeted sorafenib for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: observation of its long-term efficacy

Objective: To assess the clinical effect and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with molecule-targeted sorafenib for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: During the period from Jun. 2007 to May 2009, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with molecule-targeted sorafenib was carried out in thirty patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization were performed in all cases. The drugs used in the procedure included F-udR (1.0 g), OPT (20 mg) and THP (30 mg). Lipiodol was used to obstruct the tumor-feeding arteries. Sorafenib was orally administered twice daily with the dose of 400 mg, and the dose was dynamically adjusted according to the occurrence of adverse effects. Liver function, CT and DSA were reexamined every 6-8 weeks to evaluate each patient's condition. The results were analyzed. The median survival time and the mean survival time were calculated by using SPSS 13.0 software. Results: The incidence of sorafenib-related adverse effects was 83.3%. The main adverse effects were hand-foot skin reaction, diarrhea and hypertension. Angiography performed in non-progressive period showed that the tumor vessels became few, scattered and very thin. Statistical analysis indicated that the median survival time was 38 weeks and the mean survival time was 41 weeks, while the non-progressive period was 18 weeks. Conclusion: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with orally administered sorafenib can markedly prolong the survival time of the patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Besides, this therapy carries no severe adverse effects. (authors)