Chemoembolization in the Treatment of Multiple or Unresectable Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery chemoembolization represents an alternative treatment for patients of metastasis or primary hepatic malignant lesions. The aims of this study was confirm the usefulness, the complications and the survival benefits of chemoembolization for patients with colorectal carcinoma metastasis to the liver. METHODS: During 3 years, 23 patients with multiple or bulky unresectable liver metastasis from colorectal cancer were treated with chemoembolization using adriamycin, cisplatin or mitomycin with lipiodol . Repeated treatments were perform at 6- to 8-week intervals. RESULTS: Hepatic metastases were detected at the initial diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 15 patients. The metastatic lesions included 7 cases of a single bulky lesion and 16 cases of multiple lesions. A decrease of at least 25% of the baseline CEA level occurred transiently in 43% of the cases. The median survival for all 23 patients was 10 months after initiation of chemoembolization, and the 1-year survival rate was 36%. Complications were liver abscesses with cholecystitis, thrombocytopenia, and ascites. CONCLUSION: Chemoembolization is feasible treatment modality for patients with multiple or un resectable hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.