Intraoperative chemotherapy with carbon particles adsorbing mitomycin C for gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination in rabbits.

A new dosage form of activated carbon particles adsorbing mitomycin C (MMC-CH) was studied for its therapeutic effects on peritoneal dissemination in both animal experiments and preliminary clinical trials. Rabbits with peritoneal dissemination induced by intraperitoneal transplanted VX2 carcinoma were used as experimental models. Seven days after intraperitoneal transplantation of VX2 carcinoma, mitomycin C at 1 mg/kg in the form of MMC-CH or at 0.185 mg/kg in the form of mitomycin C aqueous solution was given intraperitoneally. The two doses were equal in toxicity. MMC-CH extended survival time statistically significantly longer than did mitomycin C aqueous solution. Preliminary clinical trial with MMC-CH has been made in eight patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal dissemination, with no control group. MMC-CH, 60 to 100 mg/person, was given intraperitoneally before the surgical wound was closed. Patients were observed for more than 1 year. Five of the eight patients survived more than 1 year, and the mean survival time was 13.9 months, whereas in the patients treated previously without MMC-CH the 1-year survival rate was 17% and the mean survival time was 6.5 months. Side effects were temporary and tolerable.