Abstract
We examined the significance of hepatic arterial infusion chemoterapy (HAIC) for synchronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer using an implantable reservoir. 29 patients operated on at the hospital from 1984 to 1991 were divided into two groups consisting of 14 patients with HAIC (intra-arterial infusion group: HAIC(+)), and 15 patients with general chemotherapy (non intra-arterial infusion group; HAIC(-)). The mean survival of HAIC(+) was 21.2 months, versus 9.7 months in HAIC(-). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The cumulative survival rates of HAIC(+) and HAIC(-) were 77.9% and 42.9% for one year; and 39.6% and 7.1% for two years, respectively. These differences between both groups were statistically significant (p<0.05, p<0.01). When these results were reviewed in terms of natural history of colorectal liver metastases by CEA doubling time, a significant prolongation (p<0.01) of prognosis was found in three cases of HAIC(+).
In conclusion, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for synchronous liver metastases was effective in the improvement of prognosis, however we could not have satisfactory experience with such effective cases. Further studies of this regimen including appropriate selection of medicines and method of administration, added by practicable hepatectomy would be necessary.
