Preventive effect of regional radiotherapy with phosphorus-32 glass microspheres in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after hepatectomy

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the preventive effects of phosphorus-32 glass microspheres (P³²-GMS) in the recurrence of massive hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) after tumor resection. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with massive HCCs received local P³²-GMS implantation after liver tumors were removed, while the other 38 patients with massive HCCs were not treated with P³²-GMS after hepatectomies. The radioactivity of the blood, urine and liver were examined. The complications, HCC recurrence and overall survival rates in the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: P³²-GMS implanted in the liver did not cause systemic absorption of P³². There were no significant differences of postoperative complications between the patients with and without P³²-GMS treatment. The short-term (six months and 1 year) and long-term (2, 3 and over 3 years) recurrence rates in patients who received P³²-GMS radiotherapy were significantly decreased, and the overall survival rates in this group were significantly improved. CONCLUSION: P³²-GMS implantation in the liver can significantly decrease the postoperative recurrence and improve the overall survival in HCCs patients after hepatectomy. This therapy may provide an innovative method in prevention of HCC recurrence after operation.