Intra-arterial Therapy of Liver Tumours.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide; in fact, it is ranked fifth in importance with approximately 437,000 new cases per annum (Bosch et al. 1999). Its incidence is increasing in many countries (Trinchet and Beaugrand 1999; Taylor-Robinson et al. 1997; Deuffic and Poynard 1998; El-Serag and Mason 1999). The first recognized risk factor is the presence of a cirrhosis that may be associated with various possible aetiologies (B and C viral infections, alcohol, haemochromatosis). This increased incidence is related to the better health care of patients suffering from cirrhosis, but also to a strong increase in chronic hepatitis C (Trinchet and Beaugrand 1999; Taylor-Robinson et al. 1997; Deuffic and Poynard 1998; Okuda 2000). Indeed, in France, approximately 500,000 people would appear to be infected by the hepatitis C virus (Trinchet and Beaugrand 1999). It is estimated that about 66 % present with chronic hepatitis and that 20 % will develop cirrhosis in 10-20 years in the absence of treatment. In France, it is estimated that the mortality linked to HCC occurring with hepatitis C virus cirrhosis will increase by 150% in men and 200% in women from now until 2020 (Deuffic et al. 1999). We may thus consider that, in the years to come, HCC will pose a problem for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]