Clinical outcomes of ATP-tumor chemosensitivity assay directed chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the clinical response of ATP tumor chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA) directed chemotherapy regimens delivered via hepatic artery infusion in 104 cases of primary liver carcinoma (PLC). Tumor tissue was obtained via laparotomy and cultivated in vitro. This tissue was put through the assay to determine chemosensitivity. A single drug regimen of either 5-FU, MMC and ADM and a combination drug regimen were used. The treatment assigned was dependent on the result of the ATP-TCA. In the control group, 30 cases of diagnosed PLC were given the conventional three-combination drug. The two groups were evaluated after three courses of chemotherapy. The results are as follows. The overall response rate of sensitivity test ranged from 36% to 44% in the single drug therapy groups and 81% in the combination drug group. The clinical overall response rate was 75% in the treatment group and 56% in control group. The treatment group had better results than the control group as survival period over six months was 80% and over one year 44%. In the control group, survival period over six months was 60% and 30% over one year. In short, ATP-TCA directed chemotherapy shows better results for terminal stages of PLC in that you can decrease the dose of drugs thereby reducing the side-effects with possible improvements in therapeutic effects.