Analysis of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization in Germany

Aims: The number of elderly patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide. Treatment of elderly patients with transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is still under discussion. Methods: We have analyzed clinical and laboratory parameters of 195 patients (57 elderly; ≥70 years and 138 younger patients ;<70 years), which were seen between 2001 to 2007 at the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical School Hannover, Germany. Results: The overall survival between both groups was not significantly different. Elderly patients with CHILD Pugh grade A, OKUDA class I and non-multiple HCC had a significantly worse survival compared to young individuals, but older age was not associated with more comorbidities, TACE related side-effects and/or different causes of death compared with non-elderly individuals. Patients aged <70 years had significantly more esophageal varices and alcoholic liver cirrhosis. In contrast elderly patients had significantly higher prevalence of HCV infections. Conclusions: Older age is not a contraindication for locoregional tumor treatment of HCC. Treatment with TACE appears safe and beneficial for German patients aged ≥70 years. Elderly patients with good liver function and multiple tumors will have no disadvantages by TACE treatment.

Age - HCC - TACE - side effects - survival