[Results of intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with metastatic liver cancer].

Thirty-eight colorectal cancer patients (pts) with metastatic liver cancer who underwent intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (IAIC) at the National Cancer Center Hospital from May 1986 to April 1988 were reviewed. Excisions of metastatic liver cancer were performed in 23 pts and 15 pts had nonresectable metastatic liver cancer. Catheter troubles including infections and obstructions occurred in 7 pts, and 4 pts (10.5%) were unable to receive IAIC. Fifteen resectable cases and 12 nonresectable cases were discussed. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) (700 mg/m2) and mitomycin C (MMC) (7 mg/m2) were infused through implantable pumps every week. Total infused doses of 5-FU and MMC were 0.5-12.2 g (mean, 5.3 +/- 3.8 g) and 4-144 mg (mean, 51.1 +/- 41.9 mg) in pts with 15 resectable cases, whereas 1.5-20.7 g (mean, 7.8 +/- 3.8 g) and 18-128 mg (mean, 49.7 +/- 29.2 mg) in 12 nonresectable cases. Four of 34 pts (11.8%) with IAIC had major complications; 2 obstructive jaundice, 1 gastric perforation, 1 toxic dermatitis. Four pts (26.7%) had recurrent liver cancer during 6-20 months follow-up after hepatic resection. Three of 12 nonresectable pts were responders (25.0%). Two completely and another partially responded. Another study is needed to clarify the effect of IAIC in survival. IAIC should be done not only for the treatment of nonresectable metastatic liver cancer, but also for resectable metastatic liver cancer in pts with colorectal advanced cancer.