Sequential intrahepatic and systemic fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer confined to the liver. A phase II study.
OBJECTIVE
Several trials have suggested that intrahepatic chemotherapy increases the likelihood of response in advanced colon cancer patients, but has no significant impact on survival due to the development of extrahepatic metastases. We report our experience of combined hepatic intraarterial and systemic chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer patients.


METHODS
A group of 35 patients received intrahepatic FUDR (0.3 mg/kg per day for 14 days by continuous infusion), followed, after 1 week's rest, by systemic 5-FU and L-leucovorin (370 and 100 mg/m2 per day, respectively, both for 5 consecutive days). After another week off therapy, the combined intrahepatic and systemic regimen was repeated and cycles continued until disease progression.


RESULTS
Of 32 assessable patients, 17 (53.1%) had an objective response, while 8 (25%) had disease stabilization. Median time to progression (TTP) was 32 weeks (range 8-104 weeks), while the median overall survival was only 39 weeks (range 9-109 weeks). Incomplete liver perfusion was the only variable that showed a significant correlation with a poorer survival (P = 0.046, log-rank test).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results are in agreement with previous data suggesting a relative efficacy of such a treatment approach for advanced colon cancer patients. More thorough investigations are warranted, especially as an adjuvant treatment for selected high-risk patients.
Porta
C
C
Medicina Interna ed Oncologia Medica A. Ferrata, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo and Università degli Studi di Pavia, I-27100 Pavia, Italy. c.porta@smatteo.pv.it
Danova
M
M
Accurso
S
S
Tinelli
C
C
Girino
M
M
Riccardi
A
A
Palmeri
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005467:Floxuridine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005467:Floxuridine; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil