PEDIATRIC HEPATIC-TUMORS - CLINICAL-TRIALS CONDUCTED IN THE UNITED-STATES

Hepatoblastomas (HBs) and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) constitute the majority of hepatic tumors in children. Although most children who have HB or HCC present with unresectable disease, chemotherapy may re duce the size of the primary tumor and metastases, thus allowing subse quent successful removal. Clinical trials conducted over the past deca de in the United States have demonstrated that chemotherapy regimens c onsisting of continuous-infusion doxorubicin and cisplatin or high-dos e cisplatin alone effectively reduce tumor size. The prognosis of chil dren with HB is better than that of those with HCC. Over half the pati ents who initially have unresectable HB can be rendered disease free w ith chemotherapy and subsequent surgery.