Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

09:02
Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver
Published on: July 31, 2016
Technical considerations in percutaneous hepatic perfusion--a multi-center experience.
1National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. radcliffe.antoine@gmail.com
The Journal of Extra-Corporeal Technology
|April 1, 2011
Summary
Percutaneous hepatic perfusion delivers high-dose chemotherapy directly to the liver, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for liver cancer patients. This novel technique shows promising response rates and fewer risks than traditional surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Primary and metastatic liver cancer present limited treatment options.
- Novel chemotherapy delivery methods are needed to improve patient outcomes.
- Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) offers a new approach to liver cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous hepatic perfusion for chemotherapy delivery in liver cancer patients.
- To assess the radiographic response rates in patients treated with PHP.
Main Methods:
- PHP involves high-dose chemotherapy infusion via the hepatic artery.
- A veno-venous bypass circuit with hemoperfusion filters isolates and filters liver outflow.
- A double-balloon catheter in the inferior vena cava controls blood flow and isolates the liver.
Main Results:
- A Phase I study demonstrated an overall radiographic response rate of 30%.
- In patients with ocular melanoma, a 50% overall response rate was observed, including complete responses.
- The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed safely by a multidisciplinary team.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous hepatic perfusion is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer.
- PHP offers significant benefits over open abdominal surgery, including reduced risks.
- This technique provides a promising alternative for patients with limited treatment options.

