A phase I study of continuous hepatic arterial infusion of Irinotecan in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: Aim of this phase I study was to identify the maximum tolerated dose and dose limiting toxicity of continuous infusion of Irinotecan through a port-a-cath placed in the hepatic artery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis to explore new strategies in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Response rate and time-to-progression were analysed.

Methods: Irinotecan was delivered as a five-day continuous infusion every 21 days, with increases of 2.