Background
Hepatic metastases from medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) may impair quality of life
by hypercalcitonemia-associated diarrhea and pain. In this prospective study, the
effect of selective arterial chemoembolization (SACE) was evaluated.
Methods
Eleven patients with hepatic metastases from MTC received 1 to 9 courses of SACE using
epirubicine. Symptomatic, biochemical, and morphologic responses on SACE were recorded.
Results
Symptomatic response was observed in all symptomatic patients. However, biochemical
and radiologic response occurred only in 6 patients. Liver function was not affected
by SACE. One patient with unexpected concurrent pheochromocytoma metastases died after
the first course. Development of side effects in the course was observed in 8 patients
but were only World Health Organization grade 1. Patients' satisfaction with SACE
was excellent. Long-term follow-up found 7 patients alive (1-72 months). Three patients
died with tumor 6, 12, and 24 months after SACE, respectively.
Conclusion
SACE provided good symptom palliation for the majority of patients with hepatic metastases
from MTC. However, transient remission or stabilization of hepatic metastases resulted
in only 60%. Further studies using a randomized protocol are required.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 22,
2005
Halle, GermanyIdentification
Copyright
© 2005 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
