Hepatic artery-mediated tumor blood supply

The hepatic artery is the predominant source of blood supply to most liver tumors (both primary, e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and metastatic)[1][2][6]. This unique vascularization underlies liver-directed treatments, such as trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), drug-eluting bead TACE, and radioembolization, allowing for selective delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor tissue while sparing normal parenchyma[7]. Degree of arterial blood supply correlates with tumor biology and prognosis, and can be evaluated by imaging techniques for therapy planning[4]. However, the blood supply to liver tumors is complex, with possible contributions from the portal vein, especially after intervention, and is influenced by anatomical variants that may pose surgical or interventional challenges[1][3][5][8].

Other names

Arterial supply to hepatic tumorsHepatic arterial blood supply to liver neoplasms

Regional arterial infusion of chemotherapy agents to enhance local concentration and cytotoxicity Chemoembolization to obstruct tumor blood flow (ischemia) and deliver cytotoxic agents Radioembolization to deliver targeted radiation