Morphological changes after intra-arterial chemotherapy of the liver

The livers of twenty patients given intra-arterial chemotherapy to treat malignant tumors of the liver or liver metastases, were examined histologically. The results show that cytostatic chemotherapy primarily affects tumor cells, but also causes toxic damage to liver tissue. Besides necrosis of single cells or groups of cells and cholestasis in about one-third of the cases sclerosing cholangitis is a major complication. After chemoembolization, which produces a more marked therapeutic effect with regard to tumor necrosis, extensive necrosis of liver tissue, arteries, bile ducts, and nerves is most conspicuous. Nevertheless, in view of the positive therapeutic effects observed, intra-arterial chemotherapy is recommended for palliative therapy.