ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
chemotherapy
;
doxorubicin
;
hepatocellular carcinoma
;
liposome
;
pharmacokinetics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background:There is lack of effective and safe chemotherapy foradvanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Polyethylene glycol-coated (pegylated)liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) has long circulation time and enhanced drugaccumulation in the tumor tissues. It has significant activity in Kaposi'ssarcoma, breast and ovarian cancers and the acute adverse effects of free drugare reduced. Patients and methods:A patient with advanced hepatocellularcarcinoma was treated with PLD and a pharmacokinetic study was performed.Initial serum total and direct bilirubin were 3.6 and 6.8 folds of uppernormal, respectively, and an indocyanine green clearance test at 15 minuteswas 26.3% (normal 〈 15%). Results:Compared to cases with normal liver function, increasedvolume of distribution of doxorubicin correlated with a large amount ofascites (P〈 0.05). The clearance of drug was unexpectedly higherthan in cases with normal liver function (P〈 0.05). According tothe pharmacokinetic studies, the disposition of PLD in this case has not beenretarded even in the presence of severe liver dysfunction. Only minimaltoxicities including grade 2 stomatitis and moderate leukopenia were observed.The tumor had a partial remission and the patient survived nine months afterPLD treatment. Conclusion:PLD could serve as a safe and effective treatment forhepatocellular carcinoma even in the presence of impaired liver function. Itsrole in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is worthy of further study.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008394125040
