[Continuous hepatic arterial infusion of fluorouracil with leucovorin for liver metastases from colorectal cancer].

Sixteen patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer were treated by continuous intraarterial chemotherapy of 5-FU and leucovorin. The regimen was that 500 mg/body of 5-FU with 30 mg/ body of leucovorin was administered continuously for 5 days followed by no medication for 16 days. The effect of this therapy was evaluated, and the relationship between this therapy and p53 overexpression was also studied. A complete response was obtained in 3 patients and a partial response in 3 patients; the overall response rate was 38%. The response rate was 56% in patients of more than 6 courses, 57% in patients with positive p53, and 20% in patients with negative p53. The three-year survival rate was 31%, and median survival was 18 months. Duodenal ulcer occurred in 2 patients due to extravascular dislocation of catheter. A high response rate and favorable prognosis were obtained by this therapy. Maintenance of catheter and a short administration period are current issues.