Computed tomography-guided transarterial chemoembolization as the initial therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: experience of 75 cases in a single institute.

We present the survival rates of 75 nonruptured hepatocellular carcinoma cases initially treated with computed tomography-guided transarterial chemoembolization in a single institute. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 93.9%, 74.7%, and 47.4% in 50 Child's A cases; 75.0%, 43.6%, and 6.8% in 20 Child's B cases; and 60.0%, 40.0%, 0.0% in 5 Child's C cases, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the 38 estimated resectable hepatocellular carcinoma cases (Child's A, tumors limited in a single lobe) were 94.7%, 82.0%, and 44.6%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of the 41 cases with estimated indication for percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (tumors less than 3 cm in diameter and three or fewer in number) were 96.8%, 84.6%, and 55.5% in 31 Child's A cases; and 90.0%, 46.7%, and 0% in 10 Child's B cases, respectively. In conclusion, computed tomography-guided transarterial chemoembolization is an excellent primary therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.