[Evidence for and practical use of arterial infusion chemotherapy for liver metastases]

Previous clinical trials have shown a significantly higher tumor response to arterial infusion chemotherapy for liver metastases compared with systemic chemotherapy, but failed to show the survival impact. Thus, there has been no evidence to justify the use of this therapy for liver metastases. On the other hand, the results of previous clinical trials cannot be used to decide the role of this therapy, because the trials were performed under incomplete situations in which there was no consideration of the unreliability of imaging diagnoses and the importance of techniques. At present, therefore, we should use this therapy based on deep understanding and thought toward previous data and patients' conditions. Clinical trials involving considerations for this special therapy are required in order to decide the role of this therapy.