Transarterial chemoembolisation in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Aim. To assess effectiveness of chemoembolization of hepatic artery (CEHA) in treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, and also to determine the optimal interval in combination of CEHA with other treatment methods. Materials and Methods. The study includes analysis of the results of treatment of 30 patients with resectable metastases of colorectal cancer in the liver. The first group included 15 patients with resection made 1 week after CEHA. The second group consisted of 15 patients in whom resection operation was made 2 weeks after CENA with subsequent assessment of morphological changes in metastases. Results. Therapeutic pathomorphism was recorded in 25/30 patients. In the first group, therapeutic pathomorphism was observed in 13/15 patients. In 11/13 patients, the 2nd degree of therapeutic pathomorphism was recorded. In 2/13 patients – the 1st degree. In the second group, therapeutic pathomorphism was observed in 12/15 patients. In all patients the 2nd degree of therapeutic pathomorphism was recorded. No significant differences in the degree of therapeutic pathomorphism were recorded on the 7th and 14th day after regional chemotherapy (p=0.436). Conclusion. Hepatic artery chemoembolization is an effective method of treating patients with metastases of colorectal cancer in the liver. In use of chemoembolization of hepatic artery in combination with other surgical methods, the sevenday time interval is optimal.