Regional chemotherapy: a focus on hepatic artery infusion for colorectal cancer liver metastases

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2008 Oct;17(4):759-71, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2008.04.009.

Abstract

Regional infusion strategies have been used as a treatment modality in multiple cancers, including ovarian, appendiceal, and colorectal cancers. Perhaps the most illustrative use of regional therapy is that of hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) for liver metastases from colorectal cancer. The administration of chemotherapy by HAI is logical and has theoretic advantages over systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. With the use of an appropriately chosen chemotherapy agent, HAI can generate an increase in hepatic tumor drug exposure as compared with intravenous delivery of the same agent. This article reviews the pharmacologic benefits of HAI therapy and the contemporary trials performed and underway.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion* / adverse effects
  • Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion* / methods
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents