Hepatic arterial infusion of 5-fluorouracil for liver metastases from pancreatic carcinoma: results from a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Liver metastasis is a common progression of pancreatic carcinoma, but an effective chemotherapy has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of a hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU in patients with liver metastasis from pancreatic carcinoma.


METHODS
Thirteen patients were enrolled in a pilot study of a hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU therapy. They received 5-FU for 5 days at a dose of 500 mg/m2/day by continuous hepatic arterial infusion every 4 weeks.


RESULTS
One patient showed a partial response, while 6 showed no change. Of these 6 patients, 2 showed a minor response. The overall response rate was 8% (95% confidence interval: 0-22%). Nausea and vomiting were the most common types of toxicity. Three patients (23%) had hepatic arterial occlusion. There were no life-threatening toxicities or complications. The overall median survival time was 15.9 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU in patients with liver metastasis from pancreatic carcinoma is tolerable but is minimally effective at this dose and schedule. The schedule of administration should be modified.
Furuse
J
J
Department of Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan. jfuruse@east.ncc.go.jp
Maru
Y
Y
Yoshino
M
M
Mera
K
K
Sumi
H
H
Tajiri
H
H
Satake
M
M
Onaya
H
H
Ishikura
S
S
Ogino
T
T
Kawashima
M
M
Ikeda
H
H
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015996:Survival Rate
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D005472:Fluorouracil