[Transarterial chemoembolization with irinotecan (CPT-11) and degradable starch microspheres (DSM) in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer].

We report 27 cases of liver metastases treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with CPT-11, DSM, and mitomycin C (CPT-DSM therapy). In the 27 patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, CPT-DSM therapy was performed 47 times. All of these patients were a contra indication of hepatectomy. We compared a tumor marker before and after the treatment, and measured a serum level of SN-38, which is an active substance of CPT-11 and resolved from CPT-11. Although the level of CPT-11 was wearing off after CPT-DSM therapy, the peak of SN-38 level delayed 1 hour after the infusion. The CEA and CA19-9 levels were decreased to 54.2% and to 45.1% of the level before the treatment, respectively. Nine of the partial response and stable disease patients underwent surgery. The response rate was 59%. A 3-year survival rate was 20%. These results suggest that CPT-DSM therapy is one of the most effective anticancer agents. This TACE can be a feasible therapy for colorectal liver metastases as the first-line therapy.