[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy under flow occlusion using a double lumen reservoir]

Recently, we developed an intrahepatic artery catheter and a device attached with an implantable double lumen reservoir. In this paper, we present clinical experience with this device in 15 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and the results of an experimental study using canine regarding the significance of arterial infusion therapy with occlusion of hepatic arterial flow. Adriamycin and CDDP were used as anticancer agents, and in 3 out of 15 cases IL-2 and LAK cell were used as chemoimmunotherapy. Twenty-one infusions were possible without any severe side effects. This treatment was also safely done even in the out-patient clinic. In one case extravasation of drug and another case of fever caused by catheter were seen, which was easily diminished by conservative treatment. Ten cases were estimated for antitumor effects and 5 showed partial remission. In experimental study, augmentation of the intrahepatic tissue level of adriamycin was found with occlusion of arterial flow. Intra-arterial infusion therapy using this device promises to be a most useful routine method for cancer control in the outpatient clinic.