The efficacy of raltitrexed combined with oxaliplatin in transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the efficacy of raltitrexed combined with oxaliplatin in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A total of 104 patients with unresectable HCC were enrolled in Jingmen Central Hospital between January 2019 and January 2023. They were randomly divided into two groups (n=52 each) using a random number table. The control group received pirarubicin+oxaliplatin TACE, while the observation group received raltitrexed+oxaliplatin TACE. Treatment was administered every 3 weeks for a total of 4 cycles. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. All patients were followed up for 2 years to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and survival rates. Results The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Post-treatment tumor marker levels in the observation group were (AFP: 104.5 ± 12.2) ng/mL, (CEA: 16.4 ± 2.3) ng/mL, and (CA19-9: 25.2 ± 3.5) U/mL, all of which were significantly lower than those in the control group, while liver function indices showed greater improvement (P<0.05 for all comparisons). The incidence of treatment-related adverse reactions was lower than that in the control group. Follow-up results demonstrated that overall survival rates and overall survival were significantly higher in the observation group (P<0.05). Conclusion Raltitrexed combined with oxaliplatin TACE demonstrates superior efficacy in treating unresectable HCC, improves liver function, and does not increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Key words: Raltitrexed, Oxaliplatin, Transarterial chemoembolization, Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Sun Yin, Zhao Jiayun, Hu Zhou, Zeng Xiaochuan, Luo Xiaofeng. The efficacy of raltitrexed combined with oxaliplatin in transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma[J]. Chinese Hepatolgy, 2026, 31(7): 1000-1003.

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