Abstract
Recently transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) therapy has been done for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The effectiveness of TAE therapy has been established in clinical aspects. However, there are few reports about histological studies of its effect. Ten autopsied cases of HCC after TAE therapy were examined histopathologically. Necrotic areas in the tumors were detected in all cases, but except in one case, tumor cells remained in the main tumor. TAE therapy had no effect on capsular and portal invasion of HCC. Recanalization of embolized arteries was also seen. In three autopsied livers barium was injected through coeliac arteries and tumor stain was found roentgenographically. Even twelve days after TAE therapy the recanalization of feeding arteries to the tumor was found. In one case, the embolized material, Gelfoam powder, remained in the tumor nodule, in the embolized arteries with thrombus formation, and in the necrotic areas. These results suggest that the reevaluation of TAE is necessary for the treatment of HCC.
