OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and prognostic factors of transarterial interventional therapy (TAIT) in patient with liver metastasis from malignancy of the alimentary tract.

METHODS266 patients with unresectable liver metastases from malignancy of the alimentary tract received totally 754 sessions of transarterial interventional therapy. Cox regression was used in the proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTSThe overall response rate of TAIT was 45.4%, The median survival time (MS) was 14.3 months in this series. The 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-year cumulative survival rate (CSR) was 83.1%, 56.8%, 17.7%, 9.3% and 1.5% , respectively. No severe adverse reaction was observed except nausea, vomiting and mild fever as well as pain in the hepatic area. It was found that portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), the blood supply of tumor, metastasis from esophageal carcinoma, the number of metastasis, multi-lobe involvement, resection nature of primary tumor were independent factors affecting survival.

CONCLUSIONTransarterial interventional therapy is effective for treatment of liver metastasis from malignancy of the alimentary tract. Portal vein tumor thrombosis, metastasis from esophageal carcinoma, multiple metastatic lesions, multi-lobe involvement are poor prognostic factors, while complete resection of the primary tumor and rich blood supply of metastatic lesion are good independent prognostic factors.