Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in rectal cancer

Chemotherapy by intra-arterial infusion, using mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil, was administered to six patients with cancer of the rectum. In three patients who presented initially with an inoperable rectal tumour, medication was infused through the inferior mesenteric artery. Tumour regression was documented in all three, allowing subsequent resection in two. Of three other patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer, none showed tumour regression after infusion, but two experienced substantial relief of perineal pain, with improvement in the quality of life. Unexpected complications occurred in the form of a reversible ischemic colitis in two patients and an arterioenteric fistula in a third.