6. A history of CTC Grade 3 bleeding esophageal or gastric varices within the past 2 months. Prior variceal bleed permitted if patient has undergone banding or sclerotherapy and there has been no evidence of bleeding for 2 months. Patients at risk for varices (based on the following: known history of esophageal or gastric varices; evidence of hepatic cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension including biopsy-proven cirrhosis, hypersplenism, or radiographic findings of varices) will be screened for esophageal varices. If varices are identified that require intervention (banding), patient will not be eligible until varices adequately treated.