The Landmark Series: Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump Chemotherapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy delivers continuous locoregional chemotherapy directly to the liver, maximizing intrahepatic tumor exposure while minimizing systemic toxicity. Originally developed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, HAIP chemotherapy with floxuridine is increasingly used for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). This paper presents a review of phase II and III trials, retrospective studies, and ongoing prospective trials was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of HAIP floxuridine combined with systemic regimens in patients with unresectable and resectable liver-confined CRLM and iCCA.

RESULTS

In unresectable CRLM, HAIP yields conversion rates between 20 to 55% resulting in 5-year overall survival (OS) up to 50%. In the setting of adjuvant HAIP after resection of CRLM, a first large randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed a 2-year OS of 86% compared with 72% in patients with adjuvant systemic therapy alone. In a second RCT, the median OS was 47 months after HAIP with systemic chemotherapy versus 34 months without adjuvant chemotherapy. For unresectable iCCA, studies have found a response rate of 21% and a 3-year OS of 3% following systemic therapy alone (ABC trials), while outcomes for patients receiving HAIP chemotherapy combined with systemic therapy have included response rates up to 58% and 3-year OS up to 43%.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic arterial infusion pump floxuridine is an effective locoregional treatment that improves survival in patients with liver-confined CRLM and iCCA. Confirmation from ongoing RCTs is awaited to define its role alongside evolving systemic therapies.