[Case report of a liver metastasis from rectal cancer achieving complete response (CR) by a combination of intra-hepatic arterial infusion of irinotecan (CPT-11) with degradable starch microspheres (DSM) and weekly high-dose intra-hepatic arterial chemotherapy with 5-FU].

A 67-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with rectal cancer and liver metastasis, underwent a low anterior resection of the rectum in May 2004. Two months later, the level of tumor markers increased and a CT scan revealed a 45 x 35 mm liver metastasis in the S(8) segment. She was referred to our hospital for treatment of the liver tumor. Intra-hepatic arterial infusion of irinotecan (CPT-11) and mitomycin C (MMC) with degradable starch microspheres (DSM) was given in July 2004. Following this, a 34-week course of weekly high-dose intra-hepatic arterial 5-FU infusion (5-FU 1,000 mg/m(2)) was performed. In April 2005, the size of the liver metastasis decreased, and the level of serum tumor marker normalized. A CT and echo scan revealed a calcified tumor, and therefore all chemotherapy was stopped. She was followed in the outpatient clinic, with no evidence of recurrence for 12 months. This case suggests that the use of intra-hepatic arterial infusion of CPT-11 and MMC with DSM is useful for the treatment of liver metastases in colorectal cancer.