Hepatic arterial infusion of 5-fluorouracil for liver metastases from pancreatic carcinoma: Results from a pilot study

Background/Aims: Liver metastasis is a common progression of pancreatic car cinoma, but an effective chemotherapy has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial i nfusion of 5-FU in patients with Liver metastasis from pancreatic carcinoma . Methodology: Thirteen patients were enrolled in a pilot study of a hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU therapy. They received 5-FU for 5 days at a dose of 500mg/m(2)/day by continuous hepatic arterial infusion every 4 weeks. Results: One patient showed a partial response, while 6 showed no change. O f these 6 patients, 2 showed a minor response. The overall response rate wa s 8% (95% confidence interval: 0-22%). Nausea and vomiting were the most co mmon types of toxicity. Three patients (23%) had hepatic arterial occlusion . There were no life-threatening toxicities or complications. The overall m edian survival time was 15.9 weeks. Conclusions: Hepatic arterial infusion of 5-FU in patients with liver metas tasis from pancreatic carcinoma is tolerable but is minimally effective at this dose and schedule. The schedule of administration should be modified.