[A case of multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer effectively treated by arterial infusion therapy with Leucovorin/5-FU].

ABSTRACT

We report a patient with multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer effectively treated by hepatic arterial infusion therapy (5-FU/LV therapy). The patient was a 55-year-old man with sigmoid colon cancer and multiple hepatic metastases, 5 cm in diameter, in both lobes of the liver. First, we locally controlled the sigmoid colon cancer by sigmoid colectomy (with D3 lymph node dissection). After resection of the primary cancer lesions and dissection of the lymph nodes, we treated the patient by systemically administering 4 courses of Leucovorin/5-FU (once weekly for 6 weeks per course) from a port-catheter system during hospital stay and in the outpatient clinic after hospital discharge. Assessment of therapeutic effects by CT showed CR in the patient. CEA levels, which were abnormal before and after surgery, decreased to normal at the end of chemotherapy. After 1 year, neither CT evidence of tumor enlargement in the liver nor re-increase in CEA levels has been noted. Although the patient experienced side effects such as pigmentation, grade 1 loss of appetite, and leukopenia, he was able to maintain his QOL in the absence of severe side effects.