Combination transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization with thymosin alpha1 on recurrence prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background/aims: To observe recurrence prevention on hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy by using TACE (transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization) with thymosin alpha1 postoperatively.

Methodology: From January 2000 to December 2002, 57 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (n=18) received hepatectomy plus TACE and thymosin alpha1 postoperatively, group B (n=23) received hepatectomy plus TACE postoperatively and group C (n=16) received hepatectomy only. The recurrent rate, recurrent time and median survival period for the three groups were observed and measured.

Results: For group A, B and C, one-year recurrent rates were 83.3%, 87.0% and 87.5% (p=0.926), respectively. The recurrent time were 7.0, 5.0 and 4.0 months (p=0.039), respectively, and the median survival were 10.0, 7.0 and 8.0 months (p=0.002), respectively.

Conclusions: Comprehensive therapy combining TACE plus Talpha1 postoperatively could not decrease the recurrent rate, but it might delay the recurrent time and prolong survival periods for hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy.