Implementation of a Hepatic Artery Infusion Program: Initial Patient Selection and Perioperative Outcomes of Concurrent Hepatic Artery Infusion and Systemic Chemotherapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases

Background Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) combined with systemic chemotherapy is a treatment strategy for patients with unresectable liver-only or liver-dominant colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Although HAI has previously been performed in only a few centers, this study aimed to describe patient selection and initial perioperative outcomes during implementation of a new HAI program. Methods The study enrolled patients with CRLM selected for HAI after multi-disciplinary review November 2018–January 2020. Demographics, prior treatment, and perioperative outcomes were assessed. Objective hepatic response was calculated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1. Results During a 14-month period, 21 patients with CRLM underwent HAI pump placement. Of these 21 patients, 20 (95%) had unresectable disease. Most of the patients had synchronous disease ( n = 18, 86%) and had received prior chemotherapy ( n = 20, 95%) with extended treatment cycles (median 16; interquartile range, 8–22; range, 0–66). The median number of CRLMs was 7 (range, 2–40). Operations often were performed with combined hepatectomy ( n = 4, 19%) and/or colectomy/proctectomy ( n = 11, 52%). The study had no 90-day mortality. The overall surgical morbidity was 19%. The HAI-specific complications included pump pocket seroma ( n = 2), hematoma ( n = 1), surgical-site infection ( n = 1), and extrahepatic perfusion ( n = 1). HAI was initiated in 20 patients (95%). The hepatic response rates at 3 months included partial response ( n = 4, 24%), stable disease ( n = 9, 53%), and progression of disease ( n = 4, 24%), yielding a 3-month hepatic disease control rate (DCR) of 76%. Conclusion Implementation of a new HAI program is feasible, and HAI can be delivered safely to selected patients with CRLM. The initial response and DCR are promising, even for patients heavily pretreated with chemotherapy.