Results of 27 cases with hepatic metastases treated by combination chemotherapy.

The results of using a standard combination of cytotoxic agents in 27 cases of secondary liver cancer are reported. A brief review of the methods available for treating hepatic metastases from solid tumours, as opposed to lymphomata, is included. The response rate depends on the site of the primary lesion. It is suggested that in patients with mammary or colorectal primary tumours, combination chemotherapy represents an advance in treatment with an objective response rate of 73% and 66% respectively in the 2 groups. The method requires no specialized equipment as neither grossly deranged liver enzymes nor jaundice are contra-indications to treatment, and toxicity is easily monitored and readily controlled.