[Intra-arterial injection of an oily antineoplastic agent in hepatic cancer]

A lymphographic agent, Ethiodol, injected via the hepatic artery was found to remain selectively in the tumor vessels of hepatoma for a long time in our clinic. Taking advantage of this selective continuous peripheral embolization, a lipophilic high molecular anticancer agent, SMANCS (Copolymer of styrene maleic acid conjugated to Neocarzinostatin) dissolved in Ethiodol was administered via the celiac axis or the hepatic artery with Seldinger's method. Anticancer effect was examined by histological findings of specimens removed using hepatic resection (13 cases) and autopsy (1 case) in 14 patients receiving this treatment. Anticancer effect of this treatment became clear through histological findings. In the patients administered SMANCS more than 0.26 mg per 1 cm2 of maximum cut-surface area, complete or widespread necrosis of the tumor occurred, whereas non-cancerous liver tissue remained unaffected.