[Arterial infusion of microencapsulated mitomycin C for the treatment of locally recurrent carcinoma of the pelvic cavity].

Ethylcellulose microcapsules of mitomycin C (MMC) were prepared. The potential therapeutic effects of intra-arterial infusion of the microencapsulated anti-cancer drugs were considered to be a function of microembolization and prolonged the drug action, that is, chemoembolization. A total of 19 patients with locally recurrent carcinoma of the pelvic cavity was subjected to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with microencapsulated MMC. These included 7 bladder carcinomas, 7 prostatic carcinomas, 2 ureter carcinomas, 1 rectal carcinomas, 1 ovarian carcinoma and 1 cervical carcinoma. Thirteen patients had several distant or lymph node metastases. The single dose of MMC ranged from 10 to 40 mg and the total dose in each patient varied from 10 to 90 mg (mean 35 mg). The therapeutic response was evaluated by Karnofsky's criteria in terms of subjective and objective changes. Of 18 patients, 11 patients were assessed to category of I-A, B or C and 9 patients were survived over one years. Hematological toxicity occurred in 4 (22%) of 18 patients, but no treatment was needed for 3 of 4 patients. Local pain and high fever lasted more than one week were experienced in one patient. Skin necrosis lasting for a few months occurred in 10 (56%) of 18 patients. Surgical ligation of the gluteal arteries considerably prevented this painful condition. In conclusion, our clinical experiences indicate that chemoembolization is effective as a preoperative and palliative measure in the treatment of locally recurrent carcinoma of the pelvis and also helpful to control intractable symptoms such as hemorrhage or pain in patients with several metastases.