Intraarterial chemotherapy in cases of breast cancer

A general review of the results and technique of intraarterial chemotherapy in cases of breast cancer is given. The remission rate for untreated prima ry tumors is nearly 100%, for completely treated local relapses approximate ly 70%. The complication rate is quite low using an intraarterial well-tole rated cytostatic agent such as mitoxantrone. However,thromboembolism of the vertebral artery facing the internal mammary artery may occur. The indicat ion for intraarterial chemotherapy should always be set by an interdiscipli nary board.