[Locoregional chemotherapy of liver tumors]

Abstract

Experiences with different protocols of intraarterial chemotherapy in the treatment of primary or secondary liver malignancies in 38 cases were reported. The follow-up period was two years in all patients. Complications due to chemotherapy were observed only in very few patients. In 15 patients complications during chemotherapy from the implantable infusion system (Port a Cath) like leckage (n = 8), thrombosis of the system (n = 4), thrombosis of the hepatic artery (n = 1) and aneurysma of the hepatic artery (n = 2) occurred. Highest survival rates for the first and second year were achieved in patients with resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. A prophylactic implantation of an intraarterial catheter can be considered in patients in which a liver resection was performed because of multilocular uni- or bilateral metastases. CEA- and CA-19-9 levels did not correspond to the tumor progress in many cases.