ABSTRACT
HEPATIC ARTERY CHEMOEMBOLIZATION (HAC) The predominant site of metastatic spread of neuroendocrine tumors of the GI tract is the liver. For patients with liver metastasis who are candidates for partial liver resection, hepatic artery occlusion or embolization is an alternative treatment. The principles behind HAC is that the blood supply to the tumor is from the hepatic artery, whereas the hepatocytes derive blood from the portal venous circulation. Theoretically, this allows for killing of the tumor while sparing the areas of normal liver. Gelfoam powder with or without antineoplastic agents such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, or streptozocin (termed chemoembolization) is infused into the hepatic artery through an angiography catheter.
