[Status of regional chemotherapy of the liver]

Abstract

The review of the literature and of own results show, that the local chemotherapy of hepatic only metastasis from colorectal or breast cancer and of primary liver carcinoma may result in a prolongation of life of six to eight months. There are no statistical advantages of different treatment modalities. Metastases from colorectal primaries show complete remission in about 10%. Other tumors are not suitable or need further interest. The advantage of the shown patients has to be bought by additional surgery and occasional local toxicity. The method still can not be seen as standard treatment, but should further be examined and developed by specialized centers. There is no more doubt that the surgical resection of localized tumors is of great value.