A randomized controlled trial of adjuvant portal vein cytotoxic perfusion in colorectal cancer

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Abstract
In this randomized trial adjuvant cytotoxic portal vein perfusion in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer without liver metastases was assessed to determine whether the incidence of meta-chronous liver metastases could be reduced and survival thereby improved. There were 127 control patients and 117 patients who received adjuvant perfusion. A further 13 patients were excluded following randomization because of cirrhosis in 1, liver metastases at laparotomy in 3 and technical problems with cannulation in 9. Dukes' staging and degree of differentiation were similar in the two groups. There were fewer liver metastases in the perfusion patients and overall survival was improved. However, the benefit appears to be greatest in patients with Dukes' B colon cancer.