Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Is a Feasible Treatment Option for Breast Cancer with Liver-predominant Metastatic Disease.

Abstract

Patients with liver metastasis from breast cancer (LMBC) are usually offered systemic therapy. However, for those with progressive liver disease and limited extra-hepatic conditions, local liver management becomes an option. Herein we present our experience with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). From 1999 to 2018, 42 patients with LMBC, who had progressive liver metastasis after systemic therapy, were treated with HAIC. A catheter was placed angiographically into the hepatic artery and remained there for 5 consecutive days. One cycle of chemotherapy consisted of mitoxantrone, 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid, and cisplatin. This treatment was repeated at monthly intervals. The medical records were reviewed and analyzed for hepatic tumor response, progression-free survival, overall survival and adverse effects. Complete response was observed in two patients (5%), partial response in 18 patients (43%) and stable disease in eight patients (19%). Fourteen patients (33%) had progressive disease after HAIC. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 8.4 and 19.3 months, respectively. There was no death related to HAIC. The patients with response to the treatment had a significant survival benefit (p<0.005). HAIC can be an option for those with progressive liver disease who are heavily pretreated while their extra-hepatic conditions are minimal or stable.