Purpose: The efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and the correlation between iodized oil uptake pattern and tumor response were investigated in cases with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Material and methods: TACE, using sequential intra-arterial doxorubicin, mitomycin, iodized oil and gelatin sponge particles, was used to treat patients with inoperable HCC localized to the liver. One hundred and two patients (aged 16-80) were treated in this manner from 1995 to 2001. The objective response was determined by sequential CT. Iodized oil uptake pattern as well as the relationship between uptake pattern and tumor response was evaluated in each case.
Results: The one-year survival rate was 46%. Tumor response was found to be better in cases with dense and peripheral iodized oil uptake in comparison to those displaying scarce and patchy iodized oil uptake.
Conclusion: TACE is an efficient and safe palliative treatment for inoperable HCC with prolonged survival and good life quality. Iodized oil uptake pattern can be considered a good prognostic marker.