[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy using a subcutaneously implanted silicone reservoir--with reference to the...

Sixty patients with advanced cancers were treated with intraarterial infusion chemotherapy using a subcutaneously implanted silicone reservoir. Forty-five patients received a low dose-intermittent intraarterial infusion chemotherapy employing either combination MFC (MMC 4 mg, 5-FU 500 mg, Ara-C 40 mg) at intervals of two weeks or MMC 4 mg weekly. The results were as follows. (1) Among 30 cases, where objective evaluation of the initial response was possible, partial responses (PR) were observed in 15 cases (50%). (2) No severe complication was observed using this protocol. Only one case out of the 45 needed to discontinue the medication because of bone marrow suppression. (3) Among 28 cases, where follow-up data were available, the average hospital-free interval was 207 days. The average ratio of hospital-free interval to survival period was 56.4%. The results indicate that our method is beneficial as a maintenance chemotherapy for patients with advanced cancers, because it is effective, safer and improves the quality of life.