[Intraoperative local infusion chemotherapy (ILIC) for gastric cancer]

In order to provide a high dose of cis-diammine dichloro platinum (CDDP) into the regional lymph nodes and surrounding organs during operation, "intraoperative local infusion chemotherapy (ILIC)" was devised and has been applied to advanced gastric cancer patients. The aims of this method are 1) to reduce the possibility of metastasis by affecting the cancer cells before flowing out; 2) to administer drugs to the cancer cells which evade surgical resection; 3) to administer drugs to the lymphatic flow; and 4) to reduce the systemic side effects. After the laparotomy, the part of the stomach for gastrectomy was isolated from the blood supply, applying clamps to the proximal and distal parts of the stomach and hemostats to feeding blood vessels. Through a feeding artery to the tumor, 50 mg of CDDP was injected. Twenty-four patients underwent ILIC from June 1986 to December 1993. The 5-year survival rate was significantly better in the ILIC group compared to the control group which was selected by the matched pair method. The newly devised ILIC chemotherapy is a promising way to improve the prognosis of advanced gastric cancer patients. A randomized prospective study should be undertaken.