Effects of hyperthermia combined with chemoembolization using degradable starch microspheres in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

: Twenty-eight cases with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma were examined. Chemoembolization using degradable starch microspheres (DSM) was performed in 19 cases. DSM, 40-45 micron in diameter, which are degraded by serum amylase, temporarily obstruct arterial blood flow at capillary bed. Adriamycin mixed with DSM was injected into patients through the proper hepatic artery. Hyperthermia (8 MHz radiofrequency) combined with chemoembolization was performed in 9 cases. In all cases treated by hyperthermia combined with chemoembolization, the intratumoral temperature was measured by a thermocouple thermometer during heating alone and heating after injection of DSM. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by the change in tumor size measured by angiography or computed tomography. The efficacy of hyperthermia combined with chemoembolization was compared with that of chemoembolization alone. Intratumoral temperature was 1.0 degree C higher by heating after injection of DSM than by heating alone. Partial response (tumor regression of over 50%) was observed in 8 of 19 cases (42%) with chemoembolization alone. Partial response was observed in 6 of 9 cases (67%) with hyperthermia combined with chemoembolization. One-year survival rate was 58% in chemoembolization alone, against 83% in hyperthermia combined with chemoembolization. Our results suggest that hyperthermia combined with chemoembolization using DSM is effective in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.