Long-term survival in a case of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis treated with transarterial chemoembolization Kwan / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common malignancy in Korea and the prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor. Most patients with HCC have unresectable disease at presentation and only a small proportion of patients diagnosed early receive curative treatment. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a widely used palliative treatment for advanced HCC and its prognostic benefit has been proven in several studies. TACE is contraindicated for patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVT) because it carries a potential risk of acute hepatic failure. Recently, however, a few studies have provided evidence of a survival benefit after TACE in patients with PVT if they have good hepatic reserve and collateral circulation around the portal trunk. We experienced a case of HCC with PVT, with long-term survival and no evidence of recurrence or hepatic failure after TACE, and present this case with a review of the relevant literature.