Historic and Current Intra-arterial Chemotherapy

Abstract

Phases of historical development of intra-arterial chemotherapy at this institution have been outlined. Our experience, exclusive of previously reported series, during the past 12 years in treating 130 patients with advanced cancer by this modality has been described. The overall objective response rate was 35%. Although 40% of the epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck cases responded favorably, the duration of response was short lived. Best results were seen in the liver series where 43% of the cases experienced a response lasting an average of five months. Patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the pelvis at best experienced symptomatic relief in the majority of cases but with little objective response. Although much improvement in technical placement and management of indwelling catheters with resulting reduction of complications has been experienced, initial enthusiasm has declined in recent years.