The study of arterial infusion chemo - embolization therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma using CDDP - epirubicin - lipiodol multi - complex (CEL) with OK - 432 - liposome : A pilot clinico - pharmacological study

Lipiodol and non-ionic contrast medium diluted anti-cancer agents are widely used for a micro embolizing material in transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE) therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic resection and TAE therapy with lipiodolization(CDDP-epirubicin-lipiodol multi-complex : CEL) are most frequent therapy in our University Medical Hospital because of tumor biological behaviour and hepatic functional reserve. Experiments as concerning with liver associated lymphocytes (LAL) in mice were exerted prior to clinical use. In the case of trans-portal injection of OK-432 (a king of biological response modifier) liposome (OK-L), CD3+/IL-2Rβ+ cells as LAL were increased in the liver. It was shown that CD8+ cells were predominant. CD3-/IL-2Rβ+ cells as natural killer cell were increased in the liver for systemic intravenous injection. Patients with HCC were received intra-arterial injection of CEL+OK-L. Prominent infiltrations of lymphocytes in both tumor and non. tumorous area were observed in case 1 patient, who was operated. Compared with patients received by CEL only, the proportion of CD3+ cells was elevated in the liver and tumor. CD4+ cells were predominant in OK-L group. In all cases (OK-L), fever was not detected and rise in white cell count and rapid fall in lymphocyte count were observed after intra-arterial injection therapy. CEL and TAE combination therapy of HCC appears to be more effective. Therefore, this treatment is built up for lymphocyte activate kliller therapy with OK-432 in liposome.