Transcatheter intra-arterial limb infusion for extremity osteosarcoma: technical considerations and outcomes

The goal of transcatheter arterial infusion is to achieve better tumor response by delivering chemotherapy directly into the arterial bed supplying a neoplasm. The rationale behind such therapy relies on the potentially increased tumoricidal effect afforded by higher local concentrations of the infused chemotherapic agent(s) combined with longer tissue exposure times. The use of intra-arterial chemotherapy with or without transcatheter embolization before limb salvage surgery has been demonstrated to induce substantial tumor necrosis and reduce intraoperative blood loss. Recent advances in catheter technology have greatly reduced the morbidity associated with the procedure. This article will focus on the technical aspects of intra-arterial chemotherapy for the treatment of extremity osteosarcoma.