[Intra-arterial chemotherapy, using the hepatic artery, in metastases of colorectal carcinoma]

Hepatic metastasis is the major cause of death in advanced cancer of the colon and rectum. Various modes of therapy have been attempted with only partial success. Infusion of cytotoxic agents into the hepatic artery has allowed a higher concentration of drug into the tumor capillary bed than is achievable with intravenous administration. We review the data on therapeutic outcome, administration techniques and toxicity of hepatic arterial chemotherapy for colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver.