| Theme |
Recent advances in the diagnostic imaging and the treatment of liver metastates from colorectal cancer |
| Title |
Weekly 5 hour hepatic arterial infusion of high-dose 5-FU for liver metastases from colorectal cancer |
| Author |
Yasuaki Arai |
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aichi Cancer Center |
| Author |
Yoshitaka Inaba |
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aichi Cancer Center |
| Author |
Hidekazu Yamaura |
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aichi Cancer Center |
| Author |
Yozo Satoh |
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aichi Cancer Center |
| Author |
Haruyuki Takaki |
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aichi Cancer Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Weekly 5 hour hepatic arterial infusion of high dose 5-FU for liver metastases from colorectal cancer was introduced. This regimen was developed to free patients from using infusion pumps daily. The response rate and the median survival rate of patients on this regimen, with unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer, is 50 to 80% and 17 to 26 months in phase II studies, respectively. On the other hand, one of the limitations of this therapy in the survival period is lack of control of extra-hepatic lesions, thus a combination with systemic chemotherapy should be discussed as the next step. Additionally, techniques for obtaining adequate drug distribution is very important for this therapy. In spite of its wide use in Japan, there is no evidence to support this therapy as the standard one for patients with unresectable liver metastases associated with colorectal cancer. Based on the therapeutic results of phase II studies, this therapy should be accepted for practical use. However, it should be carefully used and investigated through clinical studies. |