[Regional chemotherapy of liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma using implanted gas pressure pumps. Results of a prospective phase II study]

Abstract

22 patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinomas were given floxuridine infusions into the hepatic artery using a totally implantable pump system (Infusaid, model 400). The course of the disease was compared to that of 22 untreated controls matched for age, sex, extent of metastatic disease and performance status. No therapy-related mortality was observed in the treatment group, morbidity was 37%. Response rate was 77% based on CEA decrease by more than 33% after 6 months, and 64% related to a more than 50% reduction in metastasis size. Median survival time was 10 months in the control group as compared to 26 months in the therapy group; the one-year survival rate was 37.5% and 88%, respectively.