Development of Intra-Arterial Chemoembolization for Various Types of Cancer in Humans

Abstract

Intra-arterial chemoembolization has been performed for more than 30 years as a standard anti-cancer therapy for unresectable cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent developments in diagnostic machines and the advent of micro-catheters, micro-guidewires, and new embolic agents (such as microspheres) have enabled this technique to be used for the treatment of other tumors, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and bone metastasis. This review article describes these developments in intra-arterial chemotherapy, with a focus on liver tumors and pulmonary tumors.