[Effects of neoadjuvant intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in patients with stage III breast carcinoma]

From 1991 to 1996, we performed neoadjuvant intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in 5 eligible patients among 21 patients with Stage III breast carcinoma. The treatment regimen for neoadjuvant chemotherapy was intra-arterial Epirubicin (EPR) on Day 1, 3, 5, 7 combined with endocrine therapy (MPA 1,200 mg). The effects of the treatment were compared among 8 patients given adjuvant intravenous chemotherapy. The clinical response rate was 100% with all partial response and metastatic lymph nodes were disappeared histologically in 2 cases. The median disease-free interval and overall survivals are 44 months (range 28-64) and 48 months (range 28-64), respectively. Neoadjuvant (intra-arterial) group had a longer disease-free interval than the adjuvant (intravenous) group. We are applying this treatment for down staging, and it is possible to use minimal invasive surgery for cure of stage III breast carcinoma.