Treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: targeted therapies using iodized oil.

Arterially administered iodized oil (Lipiodol) localizes selectively in HCCs for prolonged periods. Lipiodol-based intra-arterial chemotherapy and chemoembolization have yielded tumor response rates and survival benefits better than those offered by other therapies for unresectable Okuda Stage I and II HCC. Further trials are indicated to compare the different Lipiodol-cytotoxic-embolic regimens available. Early results of Lipiodol-targeted radiotherapy are available. This is a promising therapeutic development, and warrants comparison with chemoembolization in a large prospective randomized trial.