Long-term survival after regional chemotherapy for liver metastases from breast cancer. A case report


Tekin K., Kocaoglu H., Bayar S.

TUMORI JOURNAL, vol.88, no.2, pp.167-169, 2002 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 88 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/030089160208800217
  • Journal Name: TUMORI JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.167-169
  • Keywords: breast cancer, liver metastasis, regional chemotherapy, HEPATIC METASTASES, CARCINOMA
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The prognosis of patients with liver metastases from breast cancer has to be regarded as rather unfavorable. A 45-year-old woman with cancer of the left breast and multiple simultaneous liver metastases was initially treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil. After two treatment cycles a sonogram of the left breast revealed reduction of the tumor size and she underwent a modified radical mastectomy and hepatic artery catheterization. There was no change in the multiple lesions of the liver on abdominal ultrasonography. One week later a regional chemotherapy regimen was given through a hepatic arterial catheter with subcutaneous implanted reservoir. After completion of the seventh course of chemotherapy, ultrasonography revealed that the multiple liver metastases had regressed completely: To date (July 2001) there has been no relapse during the seven-year follow-up period. In conclusion, we suggest that intra-arterial regional chemotherapy may have an important role to play in the management of breast cancer patients with isolated liver metastases.