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Intra-hepatic Mitomycin C bolus infusion in the treatment of extensive liver metastases of breast cancer

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Abstract

Background

In the treatment of extensive liver metastasis of breast cancer (LMBC), locally administered Mitomycin C (MMC) to the liver might be an effective approach with limited toxicity.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 30 patients with LMBC treated with intra-hepatic MMC at our institution. MMC (12 mg) was administered by transcatheter bolus infusion into the hepatic arteries every 4 weeks. Tumour response according to RECIST criteria, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and duration of response (DR) were used to evaluate efficacy.

Results

There was a local response in the liver and a global response in respectively 33 and 26%. The median PFS, DR and OS were 3, 4 and 7 months, respectively. There was more benefit in patients without documented metastases outside the liver and without severe liver dysfunction. Thrombocytopenia, leucocytopenia and an allergic reaction were observed after MMC administration in 20 (67%), 12 (40%) and 4 patients (13%), respectively.

Conclusion

Intra-hepatic MMC bolus infusion as treatment of extensive LMBC is associated with limited toxicity and has a significant response rate in the liver. Prospective investigations are required to define the place of this modality for treating patients with breast cancer liver metastases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Medical Oncology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Toon Maes, Hans Wildiers, Wim Demey, Allan T. Van Oosterom & Robert Paridaens

  2. Multidisciplinary Breast Centre, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium

    Hans Wildiers, Patrick Neven & Robert Paridaens

  3. Department of Radiology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium

    Sam Heye & Geert Maleux

Authors
  1. Toon Maes
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  2. Hans Wildiers
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  3. Sam Heye
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  4. Wim Demey
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  6. Patrick Neven
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  7. Allan T. Van Oosterom
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  8. Robert Paridaens
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hans Wildiers.

Additional information

Toon Maes and Hans Wildiers contributed equally to this work

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Maes, T., Wildiers, H., Heye, S. et al. Intra-hepatic Mitomycin C bolus infusion in the treatment of extensive liver metastases of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 110, 135–142 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-007-9707-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-007-9707-4

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