Experimental transcatheter intraarterial infusion-occlusion chemotherapy

Dogs were used to develop transcatheter vascular techniques to improve local tissue accumulation of a radiolabeled chemotherapeutic agent. A double lumen balloon catheter was used for short term (10 minute) intraarterial infusions of 14C labeled Fluorouracil (5-FU) during temporary vascular occlusion with the balloon. Local tissue (hind limb musculature) as well as venous blood concentrations of 5-FU draining the area of infusion were compared to those obtained following intraarterial infusion alone or following intravenous administration of the drug. Combining intraarterial infusion with temporary vascular occlusion increased (7 to 9 times) the local tissue concentration of the 5-FU when compared to intraarterial infusion alone. The local tissue levels of the drug during intraarterial infusion and temporary vascular occlusion were 30 to 50 times greater than those obtained by intravenous administration. Levels of 5-FU were also significantly higher in the venous blood draining the infusion area when the combined intraarterial infusion-occlusion technique was employed.