Intra-arterial chemotherapy of the liver with transient, repeated hypoxia

Intra-arterial liver perfusion with transient repeated hypoxia via an indwelling double-lumen polyurethane catheter was undertaken in 25 of 33 patients with diffuse metastases involving 50%-70% of the liver, and whose primary cancer had previously been treated by local radical resections. Treatment continued over 3-12 months until disease progression and over 3-24 months until thrombosis. In 24 patients with colorectal carcinoma the 1-year survival rate (using the actuarial method) was 79% +/- 17%. The treatment morbidity was low. It is concluded that this form of treatment improves the quality of life and gives safe and effective palliation to the patients.