Transbrachial hepatic arterial chemotherapy using an implanted infusion pump

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Devices
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Colonic cancer frequently metastasizes to the liver.
• Hepatic arterial chemotherapy is a treatment option for hepatic metastases.
• Conventional hepatic artery catheterization can be invasive and inconvenient for long-term treatment.

Observation:

• Two patients with hepatic metastases from colonic cancer were treated.
• An innovative drug infusion system involving transbrachial hepatic artery catheterization and a totally implantable, percutaneously refillable drug infusion pump was used.
• The drug used was FUDR (5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine) administered at 3-4 ml/day, with weekly percutaneous refills.

Findings:

• The system was used successfully in two patients for 7 and 10 weeks, respectively.
• No technical difficulties were encountered during the treatment period.
• The treatment involved FUDR chemotherapy delivered via a totally implantable pump.

Implications:

• This innovative approach significantly improves patient comfort and convenience for long-term hepatic artery chemotherapy.
• It avoids the morbidity associated with laparotomy for direct hepatic arterial catheterization.
• This method represents a promising advancement in the management of hepatic metastases from colonic cancer.