Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for liver cancer: is it time to distinguish conventional from drug-eluting
Eleni Liapi1, Jean-Francois H Geschwind
1Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Abstract:
Conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads are increasingly being performed interchangeably in many institutions throughout the world. As both therapies continue to being tested in many phase II and III studies and in combination with other therapies, especially targeted agents, for treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancer, it is imperative to review their current status and evaluate their impact on patient survival. This review critically assesses patient selection, indications, contraindications, techniques, materials, safety, and clinical outcomes of patients treated with conventional chemoembolization and chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads.
