Gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver. Durable tumor regression by hepatic chemoembolization infusion with cisplatin and vinblastine

Background. Gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver is considered most resistant to any combination of systemic chemotherapy containing doxorubicin and/or ifosphamide. Methods. Fourteen patients with gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver were treated with hepatic chemoembolization infusion consisting of polyvinyl alcohol sponge particles mixed with cisplatin powder (150 mg) followed by an intrahepatic arterial infusion of vinblastine (10 mg/m²). Results. Ten major (>50% regression) tumor responses were observed (70%) in patients lasting from 8 to 31⁺ months (median, 12 months) after an average of two hepatic chemoembolization procedures, usually 4 weeks apart. Transient side effects included right upper quadrant pain requiring narcotics, significant hepatic enzyme elevation, particularly of lactic dehydrogenase with a minimal increase in bilirubin, paralytic ileus requiring nasogastric suction up to 72 hours, urinary electrolyte losses (potassium⁺, magnesium⁺⁺, sodium⁺) requiring supplements, and occasionally mild but transient leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Conclusions. Hepatic chemoembolization infusion appears to induce a high rate of durable tumor response in patients with notoriously chemoresistant gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver.