Post hepatectomy adjuvant trans-arterial chemotherapy- A pilot study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic micro metastases lead to early recurrence after surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Trans arterial therapy (TAT) without selective embolization may be an effective treatment that induces tumour necrosis. This potential has not been investigated before. This study looks in to the tolerability of TAT in patients after major hepatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consented patients were offered trans arterial chemotherapy after normalization of liver functions following surgery. Through the femoral artery, right and left hepatic arteries were selectively cannulated. Doxorubicin 50mg was mixed with 10ml of Lipidol and injected. Post procedure biochemistry and complications were assessed at day 3, 7 and 14 intervals. RESULTS: 11 Patients consented (81% males, median age 61y [range 47y-76y]. There were 7(63.6%) cirrhotics. Four (36.3%) were extended right or left hepatectomies while others were bisegmentectomies. The median time period from surgery to chemotherapy was 25 weeks (range 4-60weeks). Post procedure, 1 (9%) had right hypochondrial pain, 2 (18.1%) had fever, 4(36.3%) had nausea, 2(18.1%) had vomiting within 48 hours. All were discharged at 48 hours. One patient developed a transient bradycardia during procedure. There was no clinical evidence of liver failure. Two patients had three-FOLD rise in transaminase levels at day3 and 7. All recovered by day 14. None of the patients had significant rise in prothrombin time or bilirubin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Post hepatectomy adjuvant trans –arterial chemotherapy is a well-tolerated procedure in the view of short term complications.