Prognosis and Prognostic Factors in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated by Transarterial Chemoembolization

Kim, Sung Soo; Lee, Chang Don; Choi, Sang wook; Han, Nam Ik; Kim, Jin Il; Hang, Sang Won; Yoon, Seung Kew; Yang, Jin Mo; Park, Young Min; Han, Sun Won; Lee, Young Suk; Park, Doo Ho; Kim, Boo Sung

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been applied for nonsurgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is widely used in the management of resectable and unresectable HCC in many countries. The aim of this study was to introduce our experience about the survival period and significant prognostic factors associated with TACE in patients with unresected HCC.
METHODS
The cumulative survival period of 102 patients with HCC was determined by Kaplan-Meiers method. Parameters likely to influence the prognosis were subjected to univariate analysis using log-rank test, and parameters which were significant in the univariate analysis were subjected to rnultivariate analysis using Coxs proportional hazard model.
RESULTS
The mean survival period after TACE was 12.79 months, and the overall cumulative survival rates were 58.76% for 6 months, 36.12% for 1 year, 18.06% for 2 year, and 4.90% for 3 years. According to univariate analysis, parameters significantly associated with the survival were portal vein thrombosis, frequency of TACE, TNM stage, serum alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Multivariate analysis revealed that portal vein thrombosis and the frequency of TACE were statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that portal vein thrombosis is significant and independent prognostic factor, and that repetition of TACE is an effective measure for prolonging surviva1 time in patients with HCC.