Transarterial locoregional immunostimulation and chemotherapy in patients with unresectable secondary liver tumours

Ten patients with unresectable liver secondaries from colorectal carcinoma were included in this study. All patients were treated with combined locoregional transarterial targeting immunostimulation and chemotherapy. After abdominal surgery for the introduction of an arterial catheter into the hepatic artery via the gastroduodenal artery, all patients survived the operation and their response to the treatment was satisfactory. At present, seven patients are alive with a survival ranging from 6 to 19 months (mean survival 12 months). Three patients died from their disease after 12, 8 and 7 months respectively. We were able to demonstrate significant tumour necrosis in all patients, even after the first series of combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy. It is concluded that locoregional transarterial targeting immunostimulation and chemotherapy is a promising alternative for patients with unresectable liver secondaries. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the impact of this new treatment modality on overall survival.