[Is portal infusion chemotherapy uneffective for hepatic recurrence after resection for colorectal cancer?]

Sixty-six patients with colorectal cancer were studied regarding effects of prevention of hepatic recurrence in completely performed portal infusion chemotherapy. The regimen was continuous administration of 500-875 mg/body of 5-FU for 7 days and intraportal administration of 10 mg of MMC before and after 5-FU administration. Hepatic recurrence rate was 7.6% and the five year survival rate was 83.3% in portal infusion group, and 16% and 71.3% in the control group; the difference was not significant. However, the hepatic recurrence rate in patients administered more than 4 g of 5-FU was 2.5%; there was a significant difference between the portal group and control group. The five-year survival rate for patients administered more than 4 g of 5-FU was 92.3%, which was significantly higher than at less than 4 g. Excellent effects for prevention of hepatic recurrence and prognosis were obtained in patients administered more than 4 g of 5-FU. Thus, the compliance of 5-FU in portal infusion chemotherapy is important. Also, administration of MMC is suspected to enhance the effect of portal infusion chemotherapy.