Isolated hepatic perfusion: a regional therapy for liver cancer.

BACKGROUND

Many treatments have been proposed for non-resectable primary or secondary hepatic cancer but the results have been disappointing. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) was attempted five decades ago but it has been accepted recently after spectacular tumour responses were obtained by several phase I-II trials.

DATA SOURCES

An English-language literature search using MEDLINE (2003), Index Medicus (2003) and bibliographic reviews of books and review articles. IHP and its history and recent clinical application.

RESULTS

IHP offers unique pharmacokinetic advantages for locoregional chemotherapy and biotherapy. Surgical isolation of the liver and percutaneous techniques using balloon occlusion catheters are reliable and safe. They appear to have significant efficacy even in patients with advanced tumor burden or those with tumors refractory to other types of therapy.

CONCLUSION

IHP which has been developed in recent years is becoming a promising strategy for the treatment of unresectable liver cancer.