[Transcatheter chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma (TAE)--its application and limitations]

Transcatheter Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCE) shows an excellent anti-cancer effect and improves prognosis thanks to the recent improvement of embolic materials and technique of catheterization. Thus, TCE is considered the therapy of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The anticancer drug adriamycin, mixed with Lipiodol injected via hepatic artery, accumulates in HCC and shows a good anti-cancer effect, TCE with Lipiodol also improves the prognosis. As segmental TCE is possible with the recent microcatheter technique, the application of TCE has become widespread, and an excellent anti-cancer effect almost equal to that of resection has been reported. But in order to decrease the complications and achieve the best effect, strict control before and after treatment and a TCE method suited to the patient are necessary. Sometimes because of poor liver function or the development of HCC (portal thrombus etc), TCE is impossible or its use is limited; and some HCC is hard to control with TCE, and other adjuvant therapy is necessary.