[Intermittent and ambulatory intra-arterial chemotherapy using a subcutaneous access chamber in the treatment of isolated hepatic metastases. Preliminary results].

Discontinuous daily ambulatory intra-arterial chemotherapy using a needle access chamber implanted subcutaneously was achieved for treatment of nonresectable isolated hepatic metastases. This original approach is a compromise between the uncomfortable exterior catheter and the exorbitant cost of a pump implant. Phase I study (6 cases) brought out the technical problems involved in this method. Phase II study (presently 11 cases) of only primary colonic or rectal tumor metastases treated with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C was undertaken. The preliminary results of this small series yields 64 percent objective improvement for which 55 percent are complete remissions.