The Effect of Locoregional Transarterial Infusion Chemotherapy on Liver Metastasis after Gastric Cancer Resection

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective clinical study to evaluate the effect of transarterial infusion (TAI) chemotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) on liver metastasis after gastric cancer resection. METHODS: The study recruited patients who underwent surgical resection for stage T2N2M0 gastric adenocarcinoma without liver metastasis. Patients chose to receive either TAI or systemic chemotherapy, based on the advantages and disadvantages of each regimen as explained by physicians. Both regimens comprised 100 mg/m2 oxaliplatin and 500 mg/m2 fluorodeoxyuridine, administered via TAI or a peripheral vein, commencing 30 days postsurgery. Patients who developed liver metastasis during the 3-year follow-up period were offered TACE. RESULTS: Mean time from gastric cancer diagnosis to liver metastasis was significantly longer in the TAI group ( n = 13) than in the systemic chemotherapy group ( n = 29); 944 ± 231 days versus 506 ± 77 days. Patients who received TACE ( n = 32) had a partial remission rate of 46.9% and a median survival of 14.7 months after diagnosis of liver metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Locoregional TAI chemotherapy was more effective in reducing liver metastasis after gastric cancer resection than conventional systemic chemotherapy. TACE is an effective treatment for liver metastasis.