[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for recurrent breast cancer via an implantable system]

Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy via implantable port catheter has been applied in 14 patients suffering from recurrent breast cancer. The regimen consisted of at least 2 cycles of epirubicin (1 cycle: 150 mg) and subsequent maintenance infusion (30 mg/2 weeks). The results were as follows: 1) The response rate (CR+PR) was 50%: 42.9% CR, 7.1% PR, 14.3% MR, and the median duration of response was 6 months. 2) Intractable pain, severe lymphedema and infection were reduced in 42.9% (6/14). 3) Leucopenia was the dose-limiting factor, and it appeared with an incidence of 78.8%. Catheter or portal trouble was observed in 28.6% of the patients. Despite the existence of several unanswered questions, intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy via implantable system is promising with regard to therapeutic effect and quality of life.