Korean J Med.  2009 Feb;76(2):215-219.

Long-term survival in a case of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis treated with transarterial chemoembolization Kwan

• Park S
• Seo EH
• Lee HS
• Choi SY
• Cho CM
• Tak WY
• Kweon YO

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common malignancy in Korea and the prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor. Most patients with HCC have unresectable disease at presentation and only a small proportion of patients diagnosed early receive curative treatment. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a widely used palliative treatment for advanced HCC and its prognostic benefit has been proven in several studies. TACE is contraindicated for patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVT) because it carries a potential risk of acute hepatic failure. Recently, however, a few studies have provided evidence of a survival benefit after TACE in patients with PVT if they have good hepatic reserve and collateral circulation around the portal trunk. We experienced a case of HCC with PVT, with long-term survival and no evidence of recurrence or hepatic failure after TACE, and present this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Keyword

Hepatocellular Carcinoma; Portal vein; Thrombosis; Therapeutic Chemoembolization

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Chemoembolization, Therapeutic
Collateral Circulation
Humans
Korea
Liver Failure
Liver Failure, Acute
Palliative Care
Portal Vein
Prognosis
Recurrence
Thrombosis