[Clinical evaluation of 1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil (HCFU) in hepatocellular carcinoma].

1-Hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil (HCFU) was administered orally to 63 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at a daily dose of 200 to 600 mg. Twenty three of those patients who received HCFU over 4 weeks without any other therapies were studied for its antitumor effect. Eighteen patients were evaluated for tumor size. The results showed a response rate of 16.7% (3/18) based on the criteria of Koyama et al. Patients with minute hepatoma had an especially good response; the response rate being 40% (2/5), or 60% (3/5) including minor response. Tests showed no aggravation of liver function. HCFU was considered to be useful in the treatment of HCC. However, unexpected adverse neurological effects were encountered in 6 patients. They began with slurred speech, bradypragia and gait disturbance, and finally progressed to unconsciousness in 4 out of 6 patients, in which the clinical picture resembled hepatic encephalopathy. Though reversible, these symptoms necessitate immediate withdrawal of HCFU therapy.