Combined transcatheter arterial embolization and regional chemotherapy for locally advanced carcinoma of the breast. A preliminary investigation.

Seventeen patients with carcinoma of the breast received a combination of transcatheter arterial embolization and regional chemotherapy before surgery. A gelatin powder mixed with an anticancer agent and blood clotting factors (own technique) was selectively injected into the internal mammary artery, the lateral thoracic artery, and the thoracodorsal artery. Marked regression of both primary tumor and metastatic regional lymph nodes was observed. The potential of this method as presurgical treatment is discussed.