The Role of Low Molecular Weight Heparins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major tumor type worldwide, especially in China as the
sequence of hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. Activation of the coagulation system occurs
commonly in patients with malignancy. Several studies have suggested that anticoagulant
therapy may improve survival in patients with malignancy. The low molecular weight heparins
(LMWHs) lend themselves to such studies because of their effects in experimental models of
malignancy and the relative ease of administration compared with unfractionated heparin. The
purpose of the present RCT was to determine whether addition of LMWH to transarterial
chemoembolization (TACE) would improve HCC patient outcome compared with TACE alone.