title: Treatment of liver metastases with a combination of chemotherapy and hyperfractionated external radiation therapy.
abstract: Twelve patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer were treated with 5-FUdR hepatic artery, or 5-FU i.v. infusion therapy and hyperfractionated whole liver irradiation (2,100 rad in 14 fractions, two fractions/day over a period of 9 days). All 12 patients tolerated treatments well and no unusual toxicity was noted from this therapy. Response was assessed on completion of treatment and on follow-up examinations by physical examination, repeat liver function tests (LFTS), and CT scans. Symptomatic relief was achieved in all patients. Decreased liver size and improved LFTS were noted in 10/12 (83%) of patients. CT scans showed decrease in size of metastases. Survivals ranged from 16 to 120 weeks. Infusion therapy was given either by implanted infusion pump or continuous i.v. infusion therapy, 5-FUdR 0.3 mg/kg of body weight/day or 5-FU 1,000 mg/m2/day. Hyperfractionated external radiotherapy with concomitant 5-FUdR hepatic artery of 5-FU i.v. infusion therapy for liver metastases was well-tolerated, and both subjective and objective response and quality of survival were noted. Hyperfractionated external beam irradiation with concurrent chemotherapy can be effective in palliating patients with liver metastases.
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005467:Floxuridine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000528:radiation effects; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D005467:Floxuridine; D005472:Fluorouracil