Advanced primary hepatic carcinoma was treated in 110 patients by percutaneous transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TAE) from January 1987 to October 1989 according to Seldinger's protocol with mitomycin C, Adriamycin or carboplatin and 40% iodized oil. The treatment was given once every 4-12 weeks and the number of treatment for each patient varied from 2 to 19 depending on patients' condition and response. Of the 110 patients, 20 survived > 3 years, among which 7 survived > 4 years and 4 survived > 5 years. Following treatment, a greater than 50% reduction of tumor size was observed in 13 cases and a decrease in AFP to normal level in 12 cases. Seven patients were treated with TAE followed by tumor resection and, 2 patients were treated with TAE due to recurrence after tumor resection 11 patients were treated with TAE alone. The mean survival period was 53.1 and 43.5 months, respectively. TAE is considered as the first choice of palliative treatment for patients with advanced hepatic carcinoma. Factors that might influence the result of TAE treatment are discussed.