Local and systemic toxicity of intra-hepato-arterial chemotherapy for treatment of unresectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer with 5-Fluorouracil and high dose Leucovorin.

We report our preliminary results of an ongoing phase-II-study with special regard to local and systemic toxicity, using a combined regimen of high dose Leucovorin and 5-Fluorouracil applicated intra-hepato-arterially. During 24 chemotherapy cycles we saw only mild to moderate systemic toxicity and there was no chemical hepatitis. First results concerning the response rate are encouraging. The modulation of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) with folinic acid represents a significant step in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Administration of chemotherapy through the hepatic artery for liver metastases of colorectal cancer allows high local drug concentration with relative low systemic toxicity. Until now there is little information about the local and systemic toxicity of high dose Leucovorin combined with 5-FU applicated intra-hepato-arterially. We describe our experience with this therapy in a running phase-II-study with special regard to local and systemic toxicity.