[Intra-arterial chemotherapy in inoperable and recurrent rectal tumors]

Intraarterial chemotherapy was used to affect inoperable or relapsing tumors of the rectum or rectosigmoid. Seldinger's approach was used to catheterize both internal iliac arteries and recently also the inferior mesenteric artery in the second stage. Of the cytostatics mitomycin C 2 x 10 mg/2 h and fluorouracil 2 x 500 mg/24 h were administered over four days. No skin damage was observed in the region supplied by the branches of the catheterized arteries as simultaneously hydrocortisone was administered intraarterially in doses of 2 x 50 mg/24 h in the first two days and 2 x 25 mg/24 h in the remaining two days. No adverse effects of the treatment were recorded. Of the nine patients over 50% regression was achieved in 3 cases established by CT, stabilization of the process in 2 cases, and in 4 cases objectivization failed. Remission of symptoms and improvement of performance was observed in 8 patients, in 1 patient the method failed to be effective. Intraarterial chemotherapy of the pelvic region is considered suitable also for preoperative cytoreduction.