Rationale and current results of loco-regional chemotherapy in hepatic metastases of colorectal carcinoma
Ficorella, C.; Cagnazzo, P.; Cardi, G.; Ricciuti, F.P.; Marchetti, P.; Frati, L.; Marchei, P.
La Clinica Terapeutica 121(5): 391-399
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9074 PMID: 2973875 Document Number: 295663
It can be estimated that approximately 10,000 deaths occur yearly in our country due to liver metastases of colorectal cancer. From the prognostic point of view, patients with a single liver metastase have a maximum survival of 18 months while those with more severe liver involvement can expect a mean survival time of not more than 3-4 months. Present therapeutic strategies (surgery, irradiation, systemic chemotherapy) do not achieve more than partial results and only exceptionally lead to a survival of more than 6 months. Therefore, the present aims of research are for new approaches apt to assure a higher percentage of positive responses, longer survival times with a better quality of life and without more severe or more frequent side effects. Such an approach might consist in the use of new systems of loco-regional infusion which ensure high drug concentrations at the site of the disease for sufficiently long times and with low systemic involvement. Examining the different therapeutic approaches to liver metastases of colorectal cancer and evaluating the pharmacological, clinical and biological rationale for loco-reigonal treatment, the authors review data in the literature concerning the trials of new infusion systems.