Primary malignant tumors of the liver

Over a span of 20 years, 137 patients with primary malignant tumors of the liver received treatment at the Memorial Cancer Center. Seventy-one percent of the patients had hepatocellular carcinoma. Various modalities of therapy were applied in the treatment of these patients. Early diagnosis is mandatory to increase the resectability rate. Thirty-two patients had some form of hepatic resection of whom 5 survived more than 5 years. Good palliation and prolongation of life occurred in 2 out of 6 patients who had hepatic artery infusion by chemotherapeutic agents. The role of hepatic transplantation and re-vascularization of segments of the liver in extending the scope of hepatic resection remains in the experimental phase.