Intra-arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Preliminary Experience on the Safety, Efficacy, and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effectiveness and toxicity of intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy as a therapeutic modality for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods In a retrospective study, 40 patients with stage III NSCLC received intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Tumor staining was graded based on angiography, and the number of NSCLC feeding arteries detected was recorded. Toxicity was assessed according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events. The response to treatment was evaluated per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST). Efficacy was assessed based on time to tumor progression (TTP), and survival was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Prognostic factors influencing TTP and overall survival rate were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. Results The most frequent drug-related adverse events were cough (n = 17; 42.5%), anorexia (n = 14; 35%), and pain (n = 9; 22.5%). Evaluated per RECIST, a total of 47.5% of patients (n = 19) exhibited response to therapy after completion of the first three cycles of intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy. The median TTP was 5 months. Patients had a median life expectancy of 9 months. By Cox regression analysis, tumor staining was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for TTP (relative risk, 0.405; 95% confidence interval, 0.216–0.760) and overall survival (relative risk, 0.348; 95% confidence interval, 0.185–0.656). Conclusions Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer has the potential to reduce the size of tumors and has no severe adverse effects.