Objective: To evaluate the effect and toxicity of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in treating primary liver and gallbladder cancer.
Methods: Twenty-nine advanced primary liver cancer and 4 gallbladder cancer patients were treated with As2O3 injection only, 15 mg i.v. qd for 14-21 days and was repeated after 2 weeks.
Results: The overall response rate was 15.2%, 13.8% in primary liver cancer (PR 4, NC 21 and PD 4). It was 25.0% in gallbladder cancer (CR 1, NC 2, PD 1). The major side reactions were mild bone marrow suppression and hepatic functional damage.
Conclusion: As2O3 injection is effective in treating primary liver and gallbladder cancer with mild side reactions. It is worth studying in the future.