Nakamura H, Hashimoto T, Suyama Y, Akaji H, Inoue K, Sawada S
Dept. of Radiology, Osaka University.
Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 1990 Aug;17(8 Pt 2):1740-3.
Transcatheter chemo-embolization is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, but some patients do not respond sufficiently. We have also percutaneous ethanol injection in patients who failed to respond to chemo-embolization alone, to improve the results of the treatment. Ten patients received the combined therapy; two had failed to retain Lipiodol in the lesions long enough after oily chemo-embolization, 3 had extrahepatic collateral blood supply, 2 had giant hepatocellular carcinomas 10 cm or more in diameter, which were supplied with blood from both the right and left hepatic arteries, 2 also had obstructive jaundice, and one had intraportal tumor thrombus as well. Ethanol was mixed with Lipiodol at 1/10 to 1/5 the volume of ethanol, and injected under ultrasonic or fluoroscopic control. Five to 10 ml of the mixture was injected until the tumors were filled with Lipiodol. It is difficult to discuss the effectiveness of the combined therapy, but it seemed to provide a safer and more effective treatment.
