Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy review.

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is a form of liver-directed therapy for primary and metastatic cancers of the liver.

METHODS

After the discovery that the hepatic artery supplies most blood flow to hepatic tumors, studies have investigated the administration of chemotherapeutic agents via this route as both palliative and therapeutic treatment.

RESULTS

HAIC was initially designed exclusively for patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM); however, there is an emerging role for HAIC in patients with resectable CRLM and unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The use of HAIC has become more prevalent over the last decade, with more centers nationally and worldwide developing hepatic artery infusion programs.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the history and origin of HAIC along with its evolution and outcomes associated with its current clinical applications.