Systemic irinotecan and regional floxuridine after hepatic cytoreduction in 185 patients with unresectable colorectal cancer metastases

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated our 7-year experience treating unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) hepatic metastases refractory to systemic 5-fluorouracil.

Methods: A total of 185 patients with unresectable 5-fluorouracil-resistant CRC hepatic metastases underwent surgical cytoreduction. Postoperatively patients received either hepatic arterial floxuridine (FUDR) and systemic irinotecan as part of a phase II trial or no further treatment.

Results: Of the 185 patients undergoing surgical cytoreduction, 71 patients received adjuvant irinotecan/FUDR. There were no appreciable differences in synchronous or metachronous lesions or the median number or size of lesions between treatment groups. At a median follow-up of 20 months, there were fewer recurrences in patients treated with postoperative irinotecan/FUDR compared with untreated patients for both hepatic and extrahepatic recurrences. Progression-free and overall survival were longer for patients who received irinotecan/FUDR compared with patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy. The 2-year survival rate was significantly better for patients receiving adjuvant therapy compared with patients receiving no additional treatment. Predictors of improved survival included a preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level <100 ng/dl, >30% postoperative reduction in carcinoembryonic antigen level, and adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions: Combined therapy with irinotecan/FUDR may improve the results of surgical cytoreduction for unresectable CRC hepatic metastases.