Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of sodium cantharidate on quality of life in advanced liver cancer patients. Methods 62 patientswith advanced liver cancer were divided into two groups: the control group (n=31) received 5-fluorouracil and cisplatinum chemotherapy,while the observation group (n=31) received sodium cantharidate 20 ml in addition. WHO Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumorswas used to assess the theraputical effect, Karnofsky Performance Status to the quality of life, and white blood cell count and plateletcount were to the toxicity of the treatment. Results The observation group had a higher partial remission and lower progressive disease thanthe control group (P<0.05) after the treatment. The quality of life for the observation group improved better than the control group (P<0.05).The white blood cell count and platelet count decreased less in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Sodi-um cantharidate may relief symptom, improve quality of life and reduce toxicity for the patients accepted chemotherapy for advanced livercancer.

Key words: liver cancer, chemotherapy, sodium cantharidate, quality of life