[Gemcitabine infusion via splenic artery for advanced pancreatic cancer]

A 65-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with continuous left hypochondralgia. CT scanning revealed an avascular tumor at the tail of the pancreas measuring 53 x 52 x 50 mm. Preoperative serum CEA was 198 ng/ml. During laparotomy, the tumor was deemed unresectable and insertion of a catheter in the splenic artery was carried out for postoperative arterial chemotherapy. Gemcitabine (GEM) was administered 1,000 mg 3 times in 2 months via the subcutaneous port connected to the catheter. Slight nausea was the only adverse effect. Decrease in tumor size was observed and serum CEA level dropped to 16.7 ng/ml. In the outpatient setting, 500 mg of GEM was administered several times. One year has passed since the initial treatment, and while the tumor is slowly enlarging, no liver metastasis has been observed. Oral NSAID has controlled the persisting back pain. In conclusion, arterial chemotherapy using GEM for advanced pancreatic cancer may be beneficial for patients.