Treatment of advanced primary liver carcinoma using intermittent intra arterial nitrogen mustard

Abstract

60 patients with advanced primary carcinoma of the liver were treated with intermittent intra arterial administration of nitrogen mustard in the dose of 0.8 mg/kg body weight. The drug was injected by catheter during angiography. Repeated courses were given at intervals of 3 to 5 wk. 73% showed marked decrease or disappearance of pain after the treatment and 31% had no recurrence of pain. Remission of over 2 mth, including disappearance of pain, decrease in size and/or consistency of the liver and other subjective improvements, were encountered in 28 patients (47%). Angiographic patterns of tumor regression and progression were described. Fatal complications occurred in half of the patients who had jaundice before treatment. Intraperitoneal hemorrhage due to rupture of the tumor was found in 6 cases. This procedure opens a new way to the treatment of advanced primary carcinoma of the liver.