[Transarterial chemoembolization in metastatic liver tumor after curative resection of pancreatic cancer].

Transarterial chemoembolization was done for 6 cases with metastatic liver tumor after curative resection of pancreatic cancer. Three cases underwent pancreatoduodenectomy and another 3 caudal pancreatectomy. Anticancer effect, which was determined from the survival period and the changes in tumor size and tumor markers (CEA and NSE), was remarkable in a case of adenosquamous carcinoma and one of islet cell carcinoma. However, in another 4 cases with adenocarcinoma, it was not sufficient. With regard to the adverse effect, liver abscess was seen in two cases after pancreatoduodenectomy. Laboratory data before TACE showed that both of these 4 cases had cholangitis. This is in contrast to the fact 2 of the 3 caudal pancreatectomies had cholangitis, too. Therefore, it is concluded that careful selection is necessary, especially for the case after pancreatic head resection.