Multi-arterial infusion chemotherapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma-Significance of detecting feeding arteries and tumor staining

The present study examines the significance of defining feeding arteries to arterial infusion chemotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma. We retrospectively studied feeding arteries and findings from 32 patients treated by arterial infusion chemotherapy. We graded tumor staining by angiography and compared grade in the bronchial artery with that of total staining in all detected feeding arteries, and investigated the relationship between grade and treatment response. One patient achieved a complete response and 16 achieved a partial response with no serious adverse effects. Many feeding arteries were detected and the grade of total tumor staining in these patients was significantly higher than that of tumor staining in the bronchial artery. The number of lesions that responded was significantly increased among those with a higher grade of total tumor staining. Precise definition of feeding arteries and sufficient tumor staining are vital to ensure a successful outcome of arterial infusion chemotherapy for patients with NSCLC.