Hepatic arterial infusion in liver tumors of unknown, uncertain or unusual primary: single-center experience
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to analyze a single-center experience with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) in patients with unknown or uncertain primary or tumors not usually treated with HAI. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 14 patients treated between 1996 and 2003 for liver tumors of unknown, uncertain or unusual primary was performed.
Results: All patients were treated with HAI combination regimens based on 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid. The response was not evaluable in most patients, predominantly because of only a single course of therapy could be administered and no cases of partial or complete response were noted.
The median survival of all patients was 6.6 months (5-year survival 14%). Conclusion: The present data demonstrate limited efficacy of HAI in patients with liver tumors of unknown, uncertain or unusual primary.
HAI should not be offered to these patients.