Hepatic arterial infusion of 5-fluorouracil for liver metastases from pancreatic carcinoma: results from a pilot study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver metastasis is a common progression of pancreatic carcinoma, but an effective chemotherapy has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of a hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU in patients with liver metastasis from pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODOLOGY

Thirteen patients were enrolled in a pilot study of a hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU therapy. They received 5-FU for 5 days at a dose of 500 mg/m2/day by continuous hepatic arterial infusion every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

One patient showed a partial response, while 6 showed no change. Of these 6 patients, 2 showed a minor response. The overall response rate was 8% (95% confidence interval: 0-22%). Nausea and vomiting were the most common types of toxicity. Three patients (23%) had hepatic arterial occlusion. There were no life-threatening toxicities or complications. The overall median survival time was 15.9 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU in patients with liver metastasis from pancreatic carcinoma is tolerable but is minimally effective at this dose and schedule. The schedule of administration should be modified.