Local infusion therapy in liver metastases of colorectal cancers. Results of a phase-II study

Abstract

The course of 32 patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma, treated with liver infusions (5-fluorouracil, 500 mg/m2, or floxuridine, 12 mg/m2 daily) was compared with that of 40 regularly examined but untreated patients (control group) in whom, at most three months after a previous negative examination, non-resectable bilateral metastases with initially less than 25% liver involvement had been found. The two groups were comparable with respect to onset pattern and volume of liver metastases. CEA values, ultrasound and computer tomography were obtained in both groups within three months. Mean survival time in the control group was 7.3 (4-14) months. In the treatment group the catheter had been placed either transvenously or transarterially. Mean survival time in this group is at present 17 (4-46) months, with a remission rate of 81%; 18 of the 32 patients are still alive. The high catheter complication rate with the external systems has recently been completely avoided by using implantable pump systems. Liver infusion treatment is judged to be a hopeful measure in liver metastases from colo-rectal carcinoma, with respect to survival time, tumour regression and quality of life.