Transcatheter arterial infusion therapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer: A feasibility study

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of transcatheter arterial infusion (TAI) t herapy in 18 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: The drugs infused were epirubicin 60 mg, mitomycin C 20 mg, and 5- fluorouracil 500 mg. The efficacy of TAI was evaluated by a tumor marker (C A19-9), computed tomography (CT) findings, and postoperative histopathologi cal specimens. Results: In 10 of 15 cases, the tumor marker level was decreased after TAI therapy. In 6 of 14 cases, CT showed a decrease in the tumor size, and in 1 case, the tumor disappeared completely. In 6 cases the tumor could be rese cted. Necrosis, fibrosis, and degeneration of cancer cells were seen in 3 o f 4 cases for whom a histopathological evaluation was done. The median surv ival was 11 months. In 17 patients back pain was the chief complaint, and w as reduced to a self-controlled level in 10 patients following TAI therapy. No major complications were encountered. Conclusion: TAI appears to be an effective palliative treatment for advance d pancreatic cancer.