Purpose: To demonstrate a superselective intraarterial chemotherapy as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of previously treated recurrent lymph node metastases in breast cancer.
Methods: 14 patients with recurrent lymph node metastases in cases of breast cancer were presented to be treated by intraarterial chemotherapy of 25 mg mitoxantrone/m2 over a period of 24 hours. In two patients with superclavicular lymph node involvement an intraarterial therapy could not be carried out because of a vascular connection to the anterior spinal artery. Involved lymph stations could be reached in superselective technique by side branches of the subclavian artery. Heparin coverage was given intravenously. Every patient had had surgery, radiation, systemic chemo- and hormonal therapy before and was now graded as inoperable. Therapy indication was given by local tumour-induced symptoms.
Results: In the 12 treated cases complete remission was seen in three, partial remission in 4, a steady state in two and a progressive disease in three. There were no complications or severe side effects.
Conclusion: Intraarterial chemotherapy is an effective and well tolerated treatment in recurrent lymph node metastases in cases of breast cancer even if conventional therapies can no longer be used.