Symptom relief and survival after chemo-embolization with adriamycin, lipiodol and gelfoam for hepatocellular carcinoma.

This is a retrospective study to evaluate the ability of arterial chemo-embolization with Adriamycin, Lipiodol and Gelfoam to relieve symptoms, primarily abdominal pain, and to prolong survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Twenty patients were referred from 1986 to 1991 and in 18 the chemo-embolization procedure was successful. In the follow-up period to March 1992, 17 patients had died. Their survival times were not found to be significantly different from the reported rates of survival in patients given no therapy. In only one of 10 patients followed with computed tomography was a reduction in tumour size seen. Nine of 11 patients with pain reported significant relief from pain following treatment. Six patients had repeat embolizations that successfully relieved recurrent pain. In the authors' experience chemo-embolization was helpful in relieving pain, but did not prolong life.