Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Liver embolizations in oncology: A review

Part I. Arterial (chemo)embolizations

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Medical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Arterial embolization of the liver often temporarily retards the growth of liver tumors which are mainly nourished arterially. The use of degradable agents avoids collateral formation which would prohibit repeat procedures and permit tumor regrowth. The effect of embolizations is largest in small hypervascular lesions, e.g., many hepatocellular or neuroendocrine cancers. Toxic chemicals can be added, chemoembolization, with unproven effects on responses and survival rates. Institutional differences in indications and procedures make evaluation of embolizations difficult. However, intermediate-term survival increases in selected cases of unresectable hepatocellular cancers and hormonal symptoms from neuroendocrine tumors often improve. Scant experience supports embolization for anti-tumoral effects in some pediatric tumors, to control bleeding from ruptured tumors, for symptomatic hemangiomas, and for downstaging of hepatocellular cancers before transplantation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

a.:

Artery

CT:

Computed tomography

DFS:

Disease-free survival

HCC:

Hepatocellular cancer

i.a.:

Intra-arterial(ly)

L:

Lipiodol Ultra Fluid®

RCT:

Randomized controlled study

TA(C)E:

Transarterial (chemo)embolization

YSR:

Year survival rate (preceded by the relevant figure)

References

  1. Wallace S, et al. Hepatic artery infusion and chemoembolization in the management of liver metastases. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 1990;13:153–60.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Belghiti J, et al. Continuous versus intermittent portal triad clamping for liver resection: a controlled study. Ann Surg 1999;229:369–75.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Hiatt JR, Gabbay J, Busuttil RW. Surgical anatomy of the hepatic arteries in 1000 cases. Ann Surg 1994;220:50–2.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Ngan H, Peh WC. Arteriovenous shunting in hepatocellular carcinoma: its prevalence and clinical significance. Clin Radiol 1997;52:36–40.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Walser RH, et al. Diagnostic angioscintigraphic evaluation of malignant hepatic tumors before catheter embolization: determination of shunt, flow distribution, and reflux. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 1996;19:77–81.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Chung JW, Park JH, Im JG, Han JK, Han MC. Pulmonary oil embolism after transcatheter oily chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiology 1993;187:689–93.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Sakamoto I, et al. Complications associated with transcatheter arterial embolization for hepatic tumors. Radiographics 1998;18:605–19.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Yoo KM, Yoo BG, Kim KS, Lee SU, Han BH. Cerebral lipiodol embolism during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Neurology 2004;63:181–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Huang MS, et al. Comparison of long-term effects between intra-arterially delivered ethanol and Gelfoam for the treatment of severe arterioportal shunt in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2004;10:825–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Shimamura Y, Gunven P, Ishii M, Abe K. Temporary redistribution of hepatic or pancreatic blood flow by vascular occluders during intra-arterial chemotherapy for carcinoma of the liver or pancreas. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1993;177:617–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Gates J, Hartnell GG, Stuart KE, Clouse ME. Chemoembolization of hepatic neoplasms: safety, complications, and when to worry. Radiographics 1999;19:399–414.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Brown DB, et al. Quality improvement guidelines for transhepatic arterial chemoembolization, embolization, and chemotherapeutic infusion for hepatic malignancy. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2006;17(2 Pt 1):225–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Shimamura Y, et al. Combined peripheral and central chemoembolization of liver tumors. Experience with lipiodol-doxorubicin and gelatin sponge (L-TAE). Cancer 1988;61:238–42.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. De Maio E, et al. Transcatheter arterial procedures in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a review of literature. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2003;46:285–95.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Llovet JM, et al. (Barcelona Liver Cancer Group). Arterial embolisation or chemoembolisation versus symptomatic treatment in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2002;359(9319):1734–39.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Pelletier G, et al. Treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with lipiodol chemoembolization: a multicenter randomized trial. Groupe CHCJ Hepatol 1998;29:129–34.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Lo CM, et al. Randomized controlled trial of transarterial lipiodol chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2002;35:1164–71.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Madden MV, et al. Randomised trial of targeted chemotherapy with lipiodol and 5-epidoxorubicin compared with symptomatic treatment for hepatoma. Gut 1993;34:1598–600.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Bruix J, et al. Transarterial embolization versus symptomatic treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: results of a randomized, controlled trial in a single institution. Hepatology 1998;27:1578–83.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Latoo MY, Oliver A, Roebuck D. Anaesthetic management of hepatic artery chemoembolization in a paediatric patient. Paediatr Anaesth 2002;12:629–31.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Park JW. Risk of hepatitis B exacerbation is low after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization therapy for patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: report of a prospective study. Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:2194–200.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Jang JW. A randomized controlled study of preemptive lamivudine in patients receiving transarterial chemo-lipiodolization. Hepatology 2006 Feb;43(2):233–40.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Chen MS, et al. High-dose iodized oil transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2002;8:74–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Cheng HY, et al. Adjustment of lipiodol dose according to tumor blood supply during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for large hepatocellular carcinoma by multidetector helical CT. World J Gastroenterol 2004;10:2753–55.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Raoul JL, et al. Chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinomas. A study of the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin. Cancer 1992;70:585–90.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Llovet JM, Bruix J. Systematic review of randomized trials for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: chemoembolization improves survival. Hepatology 2003;47:479–47.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Camma C, et al. Transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Radiology 2002;224:47–54.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Lu W, Li Y, He X, Chen Y. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: evaluation of two kinds of dosages of anticancer drugs and analysis of prognostic factors. Hepatogastroenterology 2003;50:2079–83.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Castells A, et al. Transarterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Antibiotic prophylaxis and clinical meaning of postembolization fever. J Hepatol 1995;22:460–5.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Kaibori M, et al. Preoperative chemolipiodolization of the whole liver for hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Res 2004;24(3b):1929–33.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Hatanaka Y, et al. Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of prognostic factors in transcatheter management. Radiology 1995;195:747–52.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Lu CD, Qi YG, Peng SY. Lipiodolization with or without gelatin sponge in hepatic arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 1994;107:209–15.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Wigmore SJ, et al. Postchemoembolisation syndrome–tumour necrosis or hepatocyte injury? Br J Cancer 2003;89:1473–77.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Song SY, et al. Liver abscess after transcatheter oily chemoembolization for hepatic tumors: incidence, predisposing factors, and clinical outcome. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2001;12:313–320.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. X-ray contrast media. Pharmacology, clinic. (Review in Swedish.) The Swedish Board of Health and Welfare, Drug Information 1976;3:1 p. 53–9 (Socialstyrelsens läkemedelsinformation. Röntgenkontrastmedel. Farmakologi, klinik. 1976 3:1, p. 53–59).

    Google Scholar 

  36. Nakamura H, et al. Outcome of localized hepatocellular carcinoma treated with segmental arterioportal chemoembolization. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 1992;31 Suppl:S69–S71.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Huo TI, Wu JC, Lee PC, Chang FY, Lee SD. Incidence and risk factors for acute renal failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization: a prospective study. Liver Int 2004;24:210–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Brown DB. Society of Interventional Radiology position statement on chemoembolization of hepatic malignancies. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2006;17(2 Pt 1):217–23.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Ryu M, et al. Therapeutic results of resection, transcatheter arterial embolization and percutaneous transhepatic ethanol injection in 3225 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective multicenter study. Jpn J Clin Oncol 1997;27:251–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Takayasu K, et al. Comparison of CT findings with resected specimens after chemoembolization with iodized oil for hepatocellular carcinoma. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000;175:699–704.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Yamasaki S, et al. A prospective randomized trial of the preventive effect of pre-operative transcatheter arterial embolization against recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Jpn J Cancer Res 1996;87:206–11.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Schwartz JD, Schwartz M, Mandeli J, Sung M. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: review of the randomised clinical trials. Lancet Oncol 2002;3:593–603.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Chan ES, Chow PK, Tai B, Machin D, Soo K. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy for operable hepatocellular carcinoma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD001199.

  44. Wu CC, et al. Preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for resectable large hepatocellular carcinoma: a reappraisal. Br J Surg 1995;82:122–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Bhattacharya S, et al. Small hepatocellular carcinomas in cirrhotic explant livers: identification by macroscopic examination and lipiodol localization. Hepatology 1997;25:613–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Kwok PC, et al. Randomized controlled trial to compare the dose of adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003;18:450–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Shimamura Y, Gunven P, Ishii M, Ono M, Abe K. Debulking surgery and arterial embolization for unresectable liver cancer. Hepatogastroenterology 1993;40:10–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Inoue K, et al. Volume reduction surgery for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2004;130:362–6. Epub 2004 Mar 18.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Wakabayashi H, et al. Significance of reduction surgery in multidisciplinary treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with multiple intrahepatic lesions. J Surg Oncol 2003;82:98–103.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Takayasu K, et al. Clinical and radiologic assessments of the results of hepatectomy for small hepatocellular carcinoma and therapeutic arterial embolization for postoperative recurrence. Cancer 1989;64:1848–52.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Okazaki M, et al. Chemoembolotherapy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in the residual liver after hepatectomy. Hepatogastroenterology 1993;40:320–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Bartolozzi C, et al. Treatment of large HCC: transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with percutaneous ethanol injection versus repeated transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Radiology 1995;197:812–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Koda M, et al. Combination therapy with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and percutaneous ethanol injection compared with percutaneous ethanol injection alone for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomized control study. Cancer 2001;92:1516–24.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Kamada K, et al. Combination of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using cisplatin-lipiodol suspension and percutaneous ethanol injection for treatment of advanced small hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Surg 2002;184:284–90.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Dohmen K, et al. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization therapy combined with percutaneous ethanol injection for unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma: an evaluation of the local therapeutic effect and survival rate. Hepatogastroenterology 2001;48:1409–65.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Tanaka K, et al. The long term efficacy of combined transcatheter arterial embolization and percutaneous ethanol injection in the treatment of patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Cancer 1998;82:78–85.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Lencioni R, et al. Combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and percutaneous ethanol injection for the treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma: local therapeutic effect and long-term survival rate. Eur Radiol 1998;8:439–44.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Akamatsu M, et al. Evaluation of transcatheter arterial embolization prior to percutaneous tumor ablation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomized controlled trial. Liver Int 2004;24:625–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Marelli L. Treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma using chemoembolization in combination with other therapies. Cancer Treat Rev 2006;32:594–606.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Yeung YP, et al. Natural history of untreated nonsurgical hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:1995–2004.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Arai K, et al. Efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization therapy for small hepatocellular carcinomas: comparison with other treatments. Radiat Med 1990;8:191–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Jang MK, et al. Role of additional angiography and chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who achieved complete necrosis following transarterial chemoembolization. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004;19:1074–80.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Brown DB, et al. Comparison of MELD and Child-Pugh scores to predict survival after chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2004;15:1209–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. O’Suilleabhain CB, et al. Factors predictive of 5-year survival after transarterial chemoembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Surg 2003;90:325–31.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Pelletier G, et al. A randomized trial of hepatic arterial chemoembolization in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 1990;11:181–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Lin DY, Liaw YF, Lee TY, Lai CM. Hepatic arterial embolization in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma -a randomized controlled trial. Gastroenterology 1988 ;94:453–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Groupe d’Etude et de Traitement du Carcinome Hepatocellulaire. A comparison of lipiodol chemoembolization and conservative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. N Engl J Med 1995;332:1256–61.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Geschwind JF, Ramsey DE, Choti MA, Thuluvath PJ, Huncharek MS. Chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma: results of a metaanalysis. Am J Clin Oncol 2003;26:344–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Reidy DL, Schwartz JD. Therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: review of the randomized clinical trials – I: hepatic arterial embolization and embolization-based therapies in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs 2004;15:427–37.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Staunton M, Dodd JD, McCormick PA, Malone DE. Finding evidence-based answers to practical questions in radiology: which patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma will survive longer after transarterial chemoembolization? Radiology 2005;237:404–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Llovet JM, Sala M. Non-surgical therapies of hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005;17:505–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Lee HS, et al. Therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization as compared with hepatic resection in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with compensated liver function in a hepatitis B virus-endemic area: a prospective cohort study. J Clin Oncol 2002;20:4459–65.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Mok KT, et al. Multimodality management of hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 10 cm. J Am Coll Surg 2003;197:730–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Liem MS, Poon RT, Lo CM, Tso WK, Fan ST. Outcome of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma eligible for radiofrequency ablation. World J Gastroenterol 2005;11:4465–71.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Wall WJ, Marotta PJ. Surgery and transplantation for hepatocellular cancer. Liver Transpl 2000;6(6 Suppl 2):S16–22.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Decaens T, et al. Impact of pretransplantation transarterial chemoembolization on survival and recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Transpl 2005;11:767–75.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Fisher RA, et al. Non-resective ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: effectiveness measured by intention-to-treat and dropout from liver transplant waiting list. Clin Transplant 2004;18:502–12.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Herber S, et al. TACE: therapy of the HCC before liver transplantation—experiences. (in German) Rofo 2005;177:681–90.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Cheng YF, et al. Impact of pre-operative transarterial embolization on the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with liver transplantation. World J Gastroenterol 2005;11:1433–38.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Roche A, et al. Trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization as first-line treatment for hepatic metastases from endocrine tumors. Eur Radiol 2003;13:136–40. Epub 2002 Jul 23.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Zimmer C, Kienbaum P, Wiesemes R, Peters J. Somatostatin does not prevent serotonin release and flushing during chemoembolization of carcinoid liver metastases. Anesthesiology 2003;98:1007–11.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Ahlman H, Nilsson O, Olausson M. Interventional treatment of the carcinoid syndrome. Neuroendocrinology 2004;80(Suppl 1):67–73.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Gupta S, et al. Hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: variables affecting response rates and survival. Cancer 2005;104:1590–1602.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Venook AP. Embolization and chemoembolization therapy for neuroendocrine tumors. Curr Opin Oncol 1999;11:38–41.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. O’Toole D, Ruszniewski P. Chemoembolization and other ablative therapies for liver metastases of gastrointestinal endocrine tumours. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2005;19:585–94.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Kulke M. Advances in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2005;6:397–409.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Touzios JG, et al. Neuroendocrine hepatic metastases: does aggressive management improve survival? Ann Surg 2005;241:776–83.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Meij V, et al. Local treatment in unresectable hepatic metastases of carcinoid tumors: Experiences with hepatic artery embolization and radiofrequency ablation. World J Surg Oncol 2005;3:75.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Moertel CG, et al. The management of patients with advanced carcinoid tumors and islet cell carcinomas. Ann Intern Med 1994;120:302–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Hirshberg B, et al. Malignant insulinoma: spectrum of unusual clinical features. Cancer 2005;104:264–72.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Nesovic M, Ciric J, Radojkovic S, Zarkovic M, Durovic M. Improvement of metastatic endocrine tumors of the pancreas by hepatic artery chemoembolization. J Endocrinol Invest 1992;15:543–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Starke A, et al. Malignant metastatic insulinoma-postoperative treatment and follow-up. World J Surg 2005;29:789–93.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Scott A, Hinwood D, Donnelly R. Radio-frequency ablation for symptom control in a patient with metastatic pancreatic insulinoma. Clin Endocrinol 2002;56:557–9.

    Google Scholar 

  94. Civera Andres M, Real Collado JT, Martinez Uso I, Ampudia Blasco FJ, Carmena Rodriguez R. Selective therapeutic embolization in malignant insulinoma (in Spanish). Rev Clin Esp 2000;200:548–50.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Sato T, et al. Strategy for pancreatic endocrine tumors. Hepatogastroenterology 2000;47:537–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. Roche A, et al. Prognostic factors for chemoembolization in liver metastasis from endocrine tumors. Hepatogastroenterology 2004;51:1751–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. Brentjens R, Saltz L. Islet cell tumors of the pancreas: the medical oncologist’s perspective. Surg Clin North Am 2001;81:527–42.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. Neuroendocrine tumors. National Comprehensive Cancer Network: Clinical practice guidelines in oncology version 2.2005. hhtp://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician-gls/PDF/neuroendocrine.pdf

  99. Azimuddin K, Chamberlain RS. The surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Surg Clin North Am 2001;81:511–25.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Plöckinger U, et al. European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumours. A consensus statement on behalf of the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS). Neuroendocrinology 2004;80:394–424. Epub 2005 Apr 18.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Hage R, de la Riviere AB, Seldenrijk CA, van den Bosch JM. Update in pulmonary carcinoid tumors: a review article. Ann Surg Oncol 2003;10:697–704.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Chamberlain RS, et al. Hepatic neuroendocrine metastases: does intervention alter outcomes? J Am Coll Surg 2000;190:432–45.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Lorenz K, et al. Selective arterial chemoembolization for hepatic metastases from medullary thyroid carcinoma. Surgery 2005;138:986–93.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Ohtsuka Y, et al. Optimal strategy of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatoblastoma. Surg Today 2004;34:127–33.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  105. Warmann S, et al. Interventional treatment of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma. J Pediatr Surg 2003;38:1177–81.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Malogolowkin MH, Stanley P, Steele DA, Ortega JA. Feasibility and toxicity of chemoembolization for children with liver tumors. J Clin Oncol 2000;18:1279–84.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Arcement CM, et al. Intrahepatic chemoembolization in unresectable pediatric liver malignancies. Pediatr Radiol 2000;30:779–85.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Lee SC, Chung JW, Kim KH, Kim WK. Successful transumbilical embolization of congenitally ruptured hepatoblastoma. J Pediatr Surg 1999;34:1851–52.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Weintraub M, et al. Successful treatment of progressive stage 4s hepatic neuroblastoma in a neonate with intra-arterial chemoembolization. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2004;43:148–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Yokoi Y, et al. Aggressive hepatectomy for complete remission of metastatic germ cell tumor following chemotherapy: report of a case. Hepatogastroenterology 2003;50:1136–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. St Peter SD, Moss AA, Huettl EA, Leslie KO, Mulligan DC. Chemoembolization followed by orthotopic liver transplant for epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Clin Transplant 2003;17:549–53.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Lang EK, Brown CL Jr. Colorectal metastases to the liver: selective chemoembolization. Radiology 1993;189:417–22.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  113. Martinelli DJ, et al. Utility of embolization or chemoembolization as second-line treatment in patients with advanced or recurrent colorectal carcinoma. Cancer 1994;74:1706–12.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Salman HS, et al. Randomized phase II trial of embolization therapy versus chemoembolization therapy in previously treated patients with colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the liver. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2002;2:173–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  115. Kameyama M, et al. Delayed washout of intratumor blood flow is associated with good response to intraarterial chemoembolization for liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. Surgery 1993;114:97–101.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  116. Hunt TM, et al. Prospective randomized controlled trial of hepatic arterial embolization or infusion chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and degradable starch microspheres for colorectal liver metastases. Br J Surg 1990;77:779–82.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  117. Burger I, et al. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: initial experience in a single institution. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2005;16:353–61.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Rajan DK, et al. Sarcomas metastatic to the liver: response and survival after cisplatin, doxorubicin, mitomycin-C, Ethiodol, and polyvinyl alcohol chemoembolization. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2001;12:187–93.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  119. Kobayashi K, et al. Hepatic artery chemoembolization for 110 gastrointestinal stromal tumors: response, survival, and prognostic factors. Cancer 2006;107:2833–41.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  120. Feldman ED, Pingpank JF, Alexander HR Jr. Regional treatment options for patients with ocular melanoma metastatic to the liver. Ann Surg Oncol 2004;11:290–97.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Bedikian AY, et al. Treatment of uveal melanoma metastatic to the liver: a review of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience and prognostic factors. Cancer 1995;76:1665–70.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  122. Agarwala SS, Panikkar R, Kirkwood JM. Phase I/II randomized trial of intrahepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin and chemoembolization with cisplatin and polyvinyl sponge in patients with ocular melanoma metastatic to the liver. Melanoma Res 2004;14:217–22.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  123. Giroux MF, Baum RA, Soulen MC. Chemoembolization of liver metastasis from breast carcinoma. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2004;15:289–91.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Li XP, Meng ZQ, Guo WJ, Li J. Treatment for liver metastases from breast cancer: results and prognostic factors. World J Gastroenterol 2005;11:3782–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  125. Braga L, et al. Does hypervascularity of liver metastases as detected on MRI predict disease progression in breast cancer patients? AJR Am J Roentgenol 2004;182:1207–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author thanks librarian Torbjörn Karlberg, Radiumhemmet, for supplying literature sources and the liver surgeon Eduard Jonas, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, for constructive criticism.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncology, Radiumhemmet, Karolinska University Hospital at Solna, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden

    Peter Gunvén

Authors
  1. Peter Gunvén
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter Gunvén.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gunvén, P. Liver embolizations in oncology: A review. Med Oncol 25, 1–11 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-007-0039-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-007-0039-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation