The hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) is highly malignant and one of the most common tumors in korea. In spite of recent advances in diagnostic and surgical technique of the tumor the treatment of HCC is very difficult and successful surgical
resection
is
still very low due to tumor biology and associated liver cirrhosis.
Lately, the transarterial chemoembolization of HCC has been proven as a effective treatment for HCC whether it is operable or not.
In this mini-review, the author analysed the transarterial chemoembolization method and summarized as follows:
1. The TAE is one of the most effect therapeutic method for HCC, even though primary, recurrent or metastatic.
2. The lipiodol has an important role in diagnosis and treatment of HCC by selective accumulation within tumor masses, and by peripheral embolization mechanism to tumor masses, but the effective volume of lipiodol is still controversial.
3. Besides of lipiodol, the embolic material has an important play in tumor necrosis. To achieve complete necrosis of tumor by TAE, it is necessary to study for embolic material selection and particle size determination.
4. For improving the survival rate, several adjuvant methods are applied presently along with TAE.
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