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.
Department of Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan. jfuruse@east.ncc.go.jp
J
J
Furuse
Y
Y
Maru
M
M
Yoshino
K
K
Mera
H
H
Sumi
H
H
Tajiri
M
M
Satake
H
H
Onaya
S
S
Ishikura
T
T
Ogino
M
M
Kawashima
H
H
Ikeda
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