Current status and future aspects on treatment of liver cancer.

Among 80 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, treated by systemic chemotherapy, 19 patients (24%) achieved partial response or stable disease. The median survival time of responders was 20 weeks. Radioiodinated fatty acid esters ([131I]lipiodol) are localized in hepatoma tissue for a considerable time. Taking advantage this phenomenon, there is a potential therapeutic effect of [131I]lipiodol, since the radioactive oil can deliver a therapeutic dose of internal radiation. The response rate of patients who had a small hepatoma (less than 5 cm in diameter) was 80%. Among 25 responders, 12 cases are alive after more than 1 year. A pilot study of hyperthermia, using a heating device capable of delivering radiofrequencies, combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, demonstrated that this modality is safe and effective in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Of the 19 patients treated, 47% showed partial remission or stable disease. The median survival time of 9 responders was 9 months. Among the 9 responders 3 patients survived for over 1 year.