Chemoembolization in Metastatic Liver Neoplasms: KADR Experience

Abstract

Objective: to assess the results of chemoembolization in this pilot study for patients with unresectable metastatic liver neoplasms. Methods: Patients with unresectable liver metastases secondary to different primary tumors who did not have decompesated liver disease underwent selective intra-arterial chemotherapy consisting of 5-flourouracil, adriamycin and cisplatin followed by embolization of the feeding artery using Poly Vinyl Alcohol Particles (PVAP). Courses of treatment were given every four to six weeks for a minimum of three courses. Results: Eight patients with bilateral multiple or diffuse liver metastasis underwent chemoembolization. Five out of eight patients had good palliation of symptoms and improvement in their quality of life. Their average duration of palliation was 7.2 months. Median survival for all patients was seven months. Seven patients died within the first year from diagnosis of liver metastasis. The last patient with carcinoid syndrome is still alive 36 months after diagnosis. Conclusion: Selective intra-arterial chemotherapy followed by embolization in this pilot study with unresectable liver metastases gives palliation of symptoms and improvement in the quality of life for almost half of our patients but for a short duration. Patients with neuroendocrine tumors may have longer duration of palliation and survival. Further randomized trials with a higher number of patients would be worthwhile pursuing.