Arterial infusion of combination therapy using dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and mitomycin C for hepatocellular carcinoma occluding main portal vein: case studies.

Intraarterial infusion therapy combining dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and mitomycin C was administered to 8 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma occluding the main portal vein. Three patients survived more than nine months, including 1 who has been well for forty-eight months with technical imaging showing complete regression. A decreased level of serum alpha-fetoprotein of more than 90% was obtained in 38% of patients. Causes of death included hepatic failure, rupture of esophageal varices, acute gastric ulcer, and cerebral hemorrhage. It is concluded that the combination therapy may be useful for HCC.