Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy on unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma under occlusion of hepatic arterial flow

Clin Ther. 1993 Mar-Apr;15(2):347-54.

Abstract

Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (IAIC) by occluding hepatic arterial flow augments intrahepatic drug concentrations, resulting in response rates higher than those with conventional infusion methods. We recently developed an intra-hepatic artery catheter and device attached with an implantable double-lumen reservoir that can be used for repeated IAIC in outpatient clinics. Eight patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by infusion of anticancer drugs using this method. The catheter was inserted into the hepatic artery under laparotomy. The occlusion balloon was attached to the common hepatic artery, and catheters were connected to the subcutaneous double-lumen reservoir. Approximately 0.5 ml of distilled water was injected through the one port of the double-lumen reservoir to inflate the balloon, which compressed the artery within the cylinder-like occluder. 4'-O-tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (THP-ADM) was used as the anticancer agent, and two patients received combined administration with carboplatin. Three to seven repeated infusions were possible without any severe side effects. This treatment was also easy to perform in the outpatient clinic. Six of the eight patients survived for more than 2 years, an improvement over the survival rates obtained in a previous conventional IAIC group. We conclude that IAIC with THP-ADM for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma under occluding blood flow using our device is more convenient and more effective than other available methods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects
  • Doxorubicin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hepatic Artery / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intra-Arterial / instrumentation
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Doxorubicin
  • pirarubicin
  • Cisplatin