[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for recurrent breast cancer via an implantable system--the second report].
Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy via an implantable port catheter has been applied in 16 patients with locally recurrent breast cancer. The regimen consisted of induction and subsequent maintenance: intra-arterial infusion of epirubicin (EPI). Non-responders were entered into the second-line regimen consisting of Methotrexate and 5-FU (MF). The results were as follows: 1) The response rate (CR+PR) of EPI to locoregional lesions was 50%, and the median duration of response was 5.7 months. 2) The response rate and the duration of response of MF were 25% and 3 months, respectively. 3) Patients with ER-rith, no previous therapy and a long disease-free interval tended to have a high rate of response to intra-arterial infusion therapy. 4) Improvements of QOL, such as intractable pain, infection and severe lymphedema were recognized in 68.6% of the cases. In more than half of the cases, these treatments were carried out in an outpatient clinic. 5) Leucopenia and catheter or portal problems were encountered in 68.6% and 25.0%, respectively. We conclude that intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy via implantable system is a promising modality with regard to therapeutic effect and improvement of quality of life.
Imamura
H
H
Dept. of Surgery, Osaka National Hospital.
Takatsuka
Y
Y
Shin
E
E
Okamura
Y
Y
Tono
T
T
Tamaki
Y
Y
Yagyu
T
T
Kobayashi
K
K
Kikkawa
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy*
D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate