Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by segmental hepatic artery injection of adriamycin-in-oil emulsion with overflow to segmental portal veins.

Hepatocellular carcinoma was treated with slow injection of an emulsion containing 40 to 60 mg of adriamycin and 3.5 to 12 ml of Lipiodol into the portal vein via a segmental hepatic artery. During and after the injection, the portal branches of the segment were demonstrated. Six patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma received this treatment, which in 3 of them was followed by embolization with Gelfoam of the segmental artery. In these 3, all main tumors and daughter nodules became completely necrotic, but some infarction developed in the non-tumorous area. Those without Gelfoam had complete necrosis of all daughter nodules, but incomplete response of the main tumor. This combined treatment may be recommended for patients with localized lesions which are nonresectable due to cirrhosis, or for other reasons.