Amelanotic malignant melanoma of the esophagus: report of a patient with recurrence successfully treated with chemoendocrine therapy

We report a case of primary amelanotic malignant melanoma of the esophagus, an extremely rare disease. A 58-year-old man was diagnosed as having middle esophageal cancer with lymph node metastasis, which was classified as esophageal cancer, Stage III:T3N1M0, by International Union Against Cancer (UICC) criteria. Preoperative chemotherapy was performed, but the response assessment was no change (NC). The patient underwent a subtotal esophagectomy via right thoracotomy and laparotomy. Reconstruction was performed by pulling up the stomach via the retrosternal route; the site of anastomosis was the neck. Adjuvant chemotherapy consisted of five courses of dacarbazine (DITC), nimustine (ACNU), vincristine (VCR), and interferon-β. Eleven months after the surgery, computed tomography (CT) demonstrated recurrence in the upper mediastinum. The patient received chemoendocrine therapy, consisting of the first planned course of DITC, ACNU, and cisplatin (CDDP), given intravenously; and tamoxifen (TAM), given orally. Subsequently with a modified regimen of this therapy he attained a complete response (CR). In general, the prognosis of esophageal malignant melanoma is very poor. Although our patient had a recurrence, he is alive 4 years and 5 months after the surgery and 3 years and 6 months after the recurrence. The chemoendocrine therapy probably contributed to this outcome.     

A Case of Carcinoma Showing Thymus-Like Differentiation with a Rapidly Lethal Course

A 55-year-old woman underwent a total thyroidectomy for carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE). The patient was referred to our hospital after the tumor was found to have directly invaded the cervical esophagus and the entire circumference of the trachea. A total thyroidectomy was performed, followed by end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea, suprahyoid release and dissection of bilateral pulmonary ligaments. No major complications, including anastomotic dehiscence or stenosis, were observed. The patient experienced some swallowing disturbances and hoarseness during the perioperative period but fully recovered. Radiotherapy to the neck was performed as an adjuvant therapy. Eleven months after surgery, lower back pain and right leg numbness developed and led to gait inability. Multiple lung and bone recurrences were observed, but no local recurrence. Palliative radiotherapy to the bone metastasis was performed. The patient died of pleural metastasis 14 months after the initial diagnosis of CASTLE.Key Words: Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation, Infiltrating trachea, Reconstruction     

A case of stage IV gastric cancer treated sequentially for over two years by TS-1, paclitaxel, and CPT-11

We report a patient with advanced stage IV gastric cancer treated by chemotherapy for over two years. The patient was a 69-year-old man with paraaortic lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. He underwent a distal gastrectomy in non-curative resection. After surgery, chemotherapy with TS-1 (100 mg/body/day) was performed. At 7 months after surgery, progression of lymph node metastasis in porta hepatis was recognized, and paclitaxel was administered at a weekly dose of 80 mg/m(2) for 3 weeks followed by one week rest. He remained stable for 12 months under paclitaxel treatment. At 26 months after surgery, progression of lymph node metastasis in porta hepatis was recognized again, and CPT-11 was administered at a bi-weekly dose of 80 mg/m(2). Although the patient died two years seven months after surgery, the chemotherapy with sequential administration of TS-1, paclitaxel and CPT-11 was thought to be effective for advanced gastric cancer.     

Two cases of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer successfully treated by radiofrequency ablation therapy

BACKGROUND: To date, several studies have evaluated an efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for liver tumor. However, there are few reports on RFA for metastatic pulmonary tumor. We experienced two patients whose pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer were treated with RFA. Case 1: A 70-year-old man who had undergone surgery for rectal cancer was followed up in our out-patient clinic. Eleven months after the surgery, a pulmonary metastasis 10 mm in diameter at the left S10 segment was found. Systemic chemotherapy started. However, the chemotherapy had to be stopped due to grade 3 neutropenia. So, 17 months after the surgery, RFA was performed for the pulmonary metastasis without any complications. Now, he remains in good condition without any evidence of pulmonary recurrence for 20 months after the RFA. Case 2: A 65-year-old man who had undergone sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer was followed up in our out-patient clinic. Ten months after the surgery, three pulmonary metastases were found. Systemic chemotherapy started. However, because of adverse events, the chemotherapy had to be stopped. So, 15 months after the surgery, RFA was performed for the pulmonary metastases. Slight pneumothorax, which was observed after RFA, was conservatively treated. Now, he remains in good condition without any evidence of pulmonary recurrence for 3 months after the RFA. CONCLUSION: RFA could be performed safely. Although a long-term prognosis after RFA remains unclear, it may be an effective and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pulmonary metastasis.     

Two cases of stage IV gastric cancer undergoing adjuvant surgery after down staging by chemotherapy

CASE 1: A 72-year-old man with epigastralgia was diagnosed with gastric cancer and referred to our hospital. An abdominal CT scan revealed liver metastasis and para-aortic lymph node metastasis. He was treated with S-1+CDDP. After 4 courses of this treatment, the liver metastasis and para-aortic lymph node metastasis disappeared, and adjuvant surgery was performed. There has been no recurrence for 16 months postoperatively. CASE 2: A 66-year-old man with anorexia was diagnosed with gastric cancer and referred to our hospital. An abdominal CT scan revealed para-aortic lymph node metastasis. He was treated with S-1+CDDP. After 9 courses of this treatment, para-aortic lymph node metastasis disappeared, and adjuvant surgery was performed. Eight months after the operation, lymph node metastases were confirmed by abdominal CT scan, and he was treated with chemotherapy as an outpatient as of 13 months after the operation. We experienced two cases of Stage IV gastric cancer undergoing adjuvant surgery after down staging by chemotherapy. It was suggested that adjuvant surgery to highly advanced gastric cancer could improve the prognosis of patients.     

经皮椎体成形术治疗椎体转移肿瘤的疗效观察分析

目的 探讨经皮椎体成形术治疗椎体转移肿瘤的临床疗效.方法 对60例椎体转移肿瘤患者的85个椎体进行椎体成形术,对每个患者术前、术后1周及术后半年分别进行VRS定性评估及VAS、SF-36的定量评估.结果 VRS评分显示术后1周疼痛缓解率为100%,VAS评分显示术后1周和术后半年的VAS评分明显低于术前（P〈0.01）,SF-36评分显示术后1周和术后半年的健康状况评分明显高于术前（P〈0.01）.结论 PVP手术治疗椎体转移肿瘤是安全、有效的,可以明显缓解患者的疼痛,提高患者的生活质量,在脊柱转移肿瘤患者的康复治疗中有一定应用价值.     

A case of hepatic metastasis of gastric cancer responding to TS-1, administered for two consecutive weeks and one week rest

We have treated a case of hepatic metastasis of gastric cancer that has responded well to TS-1. The patient was a 68-year-old male, who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. After surgery 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) 800 mg/day was administered orally for two months. Grade 4 diarrhea appeared, so administration of 5'-DFUR was discontinued. Afterward the patient was followed with no chemotherapy. Liver metastasis (S6, 3 cm in diameter) was found at twelve months after surgery. 5'-DFUR (800 mg/day) was administered orally everyday. Grade 3 diarrhea appeared and metastasis showed NC after four weeks. 5'-DFUR administration was discontinued. Seventeen days later TS-1 (80 mg/day) was administered orally everyday for 2 weeks, followed by 1 week rest, as one course. Two courses of TS-1 administration resulted in a marked reduction of the liver metastasis, for a PR (75% reduction). After 3 courses, the liver metastasis showed CR. The patient is alive without recurrence after 12 courses. This TS-1 administration regimen was effective and tolerable for a patient with liver metastasis from gastric cancer.     

A case of liver metastasis of colon cancer responding remarkably to 5'-DFUR

A 65-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of diarrhea due to sigmoid colon cancer. Abdominal CT scan revealed a hepatic tumor (S8) about 2 cm in diameter. We performed a sigmoidectomy and planned to resect the liver metastasis 1 or 2 months later. Pathological findings showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, s, n1. Two weeks after the surgery, 5'-DFUR was administered at 600 mg/day. An abdominal CT scan 2 months later demonstrated regression of the liver metastasis and another scan 4 months later showed the tumor had disappeared. 5'-DFUR was administered for about 2 years. Five years after the surgery, the patient is alive without recurrence and CEA level is in normal range.     

Clinical trial with surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion for peritoneal recurrence of gastrointestinal cancer

To treat six patients with peritoneal recurrence after radical operation for gastrointestinal cancer, an intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion (IPHP), combined with surgical resection of recurrent tumors, intestinal by-pass anastomosis, or both, was carried out. Immediately after complete resection of the intraperitoneal recurrent tumors, a 2- to 3-hour IPHP was performed under hypothermic general anesthesia at about 32 degrees C, using a perfusate containing 10 micrograms/ml or 20 micrograms/ml of mitomycin C (MMC) warmed at the inflow temperature of 46.6 degrees C to 46.9 degrees C. The apparatus used for IPHP was designed for intraperitoneal perfusion as a closed circuit. Although five of the six patients had a malignant peritoneal effusion at the time of admission, the effusion disappeared soon after IPHP, and no cancer cell was present in the lavage from Douglas' pouch. The other patient had a recurrent tumor at the anastomotic region after low anterior resection for rectal cancer and complete resection of the recurrent tumor, combined with IPHP, was carried out. One patient with a recurrent gastric cancer died of hepatic metastasis and cancerous pleuritis 5 months after this treatment, and the other five are in good health 12.8 +/- 5.1 months after IPHP. On the other hand, five patients with intra-abdominal recurrent gastric cancer, who received only surgical treatment within the same period of time, died 3.0 +/- 2.1 months after the surgery. Postoperatively, in the six patients with IPHP, transitory hepatic dysfunction, hypoproteinemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred. These results show that IPHP using MMC combined with surgery is a safe, reliable treatment for patients with peritoneal recurrence of gastrointestinal cancer.     

A patient with recurrent rectal cancer in whom pulmonary metastasis disappeared by FOLFOX 4 therapy

We performed FOLFOX 4 therapy in a patient with lung metastasis (a 62-year-old woman) after surgery for rectal cancer and observed both normalization of tumor markers and disappearance of the metastasis. Low anterior resection was performed for progressive rectal cancer, and treatment with UFT and folinate was started one month after surgery. However, tumor markers increased after 2 months of treatment and CT scans showed metastases to both lungs. FOLFOX 4 therapy was started, and tumor markers became normal after four courses, while the lung metastases disappeared after 10 courses. The dosage of FOLFOX 4 was reduced after three courses due to neutropenia and diarrhea. This treatment appeared to be effective for the inhibition of lung metastasis associated with colorectal cancer.     

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with a hand-sewn esophago-gastric anastomosis using a knifeless endoscopic linear stapler

Proximal gastrectomy has been applied for selected patients with early upper gastric cancer, because of its potential advantages over total gastrectomy, such as preserving gastric capacity and entailing fewer hormonal and nutritional deficiencies. Esophago-gastric anastomosis is a simple reconstruction method with an excellent postoperative outcome provided that gastroesophageal reflux is properly prevented. Following open surgery, the esophagus is anastomosed to the anterior stomach wall with partial fundoplication to prevent esophageal reflux. We developed a novel laparoscopic hand-sewn method to reproduce the anti-reflux procedure that is used in open surgery. The esophagus is first fixed to the anterior stomach wall with a knifeless endoscopic linear stapler. This fixation contributes to maintaining a stable field for easier hand-sewn anastomosis, and allows us to complete the left side of the fundoplication at the same time. This novel technique was used to successfully perform complete laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with a hand-sewn esophago-gastric anastomosis in ten patients, without any postoperative complications. No patient had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux during a median follow-up period of 19.9 months. One patient developed anastomotic stenosis, and this was resolved with endoscopic dilatation. The mean percent body weight loss at 12 months after surgery, in comparison to the preoperative weight, was 10.4 %. Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with an esophago-gastric anastomosis using our novel technique would be a feasible choice would be a feasible choice and would show benefit for selected patients with early upper gastric cancer.     

食管癌二野淋巴结清扫术后复发规律探讨

目的 分析胸段食管癌二野淋巴结清扫术后局部复发规律,为术后放疗提供帮助.方法 搜集本科2004-2009年收治的134例胸段食管鳞癌术后局部复发患者的临床资料,依据放疗前定位CT分析复发类型及各区域淋巴结转移情况.结果 食管癌术后淋巴结转移占94.0%,吻合口复发占9.7%,食管原瘤床复发占3.7%.126例淋巴结转移患者中纵隔、锁骨上、腹部的分别占80.2%、43.7%、13.5%(χ2=113.15,P=0.000).淋巴结转移上纵隔占73.8%,左喉返神经区(1L区、2L区、4L区、5区)占38.9%,右喉返神经区(1R区)占43.7%,隆突下占34.1%,奇静脉占15.1%,锁骨上占43.7%[右锁骨上多于左锁骨上(31.7%和16.7%;χ2=7.81,P=0.005)].结论 淋巴结转移是胸段食管癌术后局部复发最主要的类型,原瘤床和吻合口复发少见.锁骨上、喉返神经区、奇静脉淋巴结及隆突下淋巴结是二野淋巴结清扫术后淋巴结转移的高发区.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the local-regional recurrence in thoracic esophageal cancer after radical surgery including two-field lymph node dissection and provide evidence for postoperative radiotherapy. Methods We reviewed local-regional recurrence for 134 cases with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radical surgery from 2004 to 2009. Results In 134 cases, lymph node metastasis rate,anastomosis recurrence rate and tumor bed recurrence rate was 94. 0%, 9. 7% and 3.7%, respectively. As to the 126 cases with lymph node metastasis, significant difference was detected between mediastinal metastasis, supraclavicular metastasis and abdominal lymph node metastasis (80. 2%, 43.7% and 13.5%,respectively, χ2= 113. 15, P = 0. 000). Furthermore, the relative metastasis rate in upper mediastinum,middle mediastinum and the lower mediastinum was 73.8%, 39.7% and 1.6%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 139. 11, P = 0. 000 ). Significant difference was identified between right and left supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (31.7% vs 16. 7%, χ2= 7. 81, P = 0. 005 ).To confirm the analysis above,lymph node metastasis rate of left recurrent laryngeal nerve nodes, (including region 1L, 2L, 4L and 5) ,right recurrent laryngeal nerve nodes, azygos nodes, subcarinal nodes, and 2R region was 38.9%, 43.7%, 15.1%, 34.1% and 25.4%, respectively. Conclusions The main characteristics of local-regional recurrence may be lymph node metastasis for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radical surgery. On the contrary, tumor bed recurrence is rare. Dangerous regions include supraclavicular nodes, recurrent laryngeal nerve nodes, azygos nodes as well as subcarinal nodes.     

A case of liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer that was resistant to S-1 and gemcitabine successfully treated by 5-FU and cisplatin hepatic arterial infusion

We report a case of postoperative liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer that was resistant to S-1 and gemcitabine (GEM) successfully treated by hepatic arterial infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP). A 70s woman was referred to our hospital for treatment of a pancreatic head cancer in November 2007. Pancreaticoduodenectomy with a regional lymphadectomy was performed in December 2007 and the pathological stage was Stage IVa. Adjuvant chemotherapy of UFT was administered one month after operation. However, a second chemotherapy of S-1 was administered because DUPAN-2 levels showed a high range 8 months after operation. Ten months after operation, abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a 2 cm tumor in the liver. Although, we performed a systemic GEM infusion and a combination of GEM and S-1, the liver metastasis had progressed. Then, hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy of 5-FU/CDDP was instituted weekly. This efficacy maintained a Partial Response from the start of HAI to the fifth month. She is alive to date, maintaining a stable tumor growth of 30 months after surgery. We suggest that HAI chemotherapy of 5-FU+CDDP might be an effective treatment to liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer and prolong prognosis of those patients.     

A case of AFP producing early gastric cancer successfully treated with small dose CDDP and 5-FU (PF) therapy]

A case of AFP producing early gastric cancer successfully treated with a small dose of CDDP and 5-FU therapy administered intermittedly is reported with a review of the literature. A 63-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of liver metastasis with a high level of serum AFP (185.8 ng/ml) three months after gastrectomy. Systemic chemotherapy was performed twice with a regimen of CDDP 20 mg and 5-FU 750 mg/day in 5 days. After hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) was performed once, the patient obtained partial response according to CT scan and was discharged. After he underwent HAIC once as an outpatient, liver metastasis completely disappeared 5 months after surgery. He was administered oral 5-FU, 150 mg and Krestin 3.0 g/day and underwent HAIC with CDDP 20 mg and 5-FU 750 mg/day every 2 weeks. After serum AFP level was returned to the normal range 7 months after surgery; HAIC was performed every 4 weeks and continued until one year after surgery. One year and 11 months after surgery, serum AFP remains within the normal limit and there is no evidence of recurrence.     

Circulating transforming growth factor beta 1 as a predictor of liver metastasis after resection in colorectal cancer.

Plasma transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been reported to be correlated with the extent of disease in colorectal cancer, but it is not known whether measuring this cytokine can help predict liver metastasis after curative resection. We prospectively studied whether plasma TGF-beta1 levels could predict liver metastasis in 117 patients with colorectal cancer before and after curative resection. Blood samples were drawn before and 2 weeks after surgery to determine the cytokine levels. Abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography was done every 3 months after surgery. The primary end point for follow-up was recurrence. Seventy-seven of 117 cases (66%) had preoperative levels of the cytokine higher than the borderline limit of 7.5 ng/ml. Postoperative levels were >7.5 ng/ml in 29 of 117 patients (25%). The median follow-up period was 42 months (range, 5--66 months), with follow-up of all 117 patients. No recurrence was observed in 13 patients with Dukes' stage A lesions. Liver metastasis occurred in 18 of 104 patients (17%) with Dukes' stage B or C disease. Fourteen of 18 patients (78%) who developed liver metastasis had shown a postoperative plasma TGF-beta1 level of >7.5 ng/ml. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the postoperative level was a significant predictive factor for liver metastasis (P < 0.001). A single point measurement of plasma TGF-beta1 levels at 2 weeks after curative resection seems to be able to predict liver metastasis in colorectal cancer. This finding suggests the value of a prospective trial of liver-targeted adjuvant therapy for patients with elevated postoperative plasma TGF-beta1 levels.     

Gastric cancer with liver metastasis effectively treated by intra-hepatic arterial infusion

The prognosis of gastric cancer with liver metastasis is very poor. Because many gastric cancers with liver metastasis have multiple metastatic tumors in the liver, and the indication for surgical resection is rare. Moreover, the non-curative factors of many cases are not only liver metastasis but also are lymph node metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. However, some authors have reported gastric cancer with liver metastasis was treated effectively by intra-hepatic infusion of an anti-cancer drug. In this article, we report three cases of gastric cancer with liver metastasis that are treated effectively by intra-hepatic arterial infusion of an anti-cancer drug. There were no non-curative factors except liver metastasis. The first was a H3 case treated effectively by intra-hepatic arterial infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), mitomycin C (MMC) and peroral administration of 5-FU. The metastatic liver tumors had disappeared in 14 weeks. However, the patient eventually died of liver and brain metastases in 7 months after the therapy. The second was a H2 case treated effectively by intra-hepatic arterial infusion of CDDP and peroral administration of 5'-DFUR and PSK. The metastatic liver tumors had disappeared in 4 months, and the patient is still alive without recurrence in 35 months after surgery. The third was a H2 case treated effectively by intra-hepatic arterial infusion of cisplatin (CDDP) and peroral administration of TS-1 and PSK. The size of metastatic nodules had increased, and Virchow lymph node metastasis had appeared in 28 months after surgery. The patient eventually died in 32 months after surgery. These results suggested that intra-hepatic arterial infusion of CDDP with peroral administration of TS-1 or 5'-DFUR was an effective therapy for gastric cancer with liver metastasis.     

A long-term survival case of neuroendocrine tumor of the sigmoid colon with multiple liver metastases

It has been reported that neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the large intestine with distant metastasis is rare and carries poor prognosis. We report a case of colonic NET with hepatic metastases, who was successfully treated by combined therapy. A 71-year-old man with sigmoid colon tumor underwent sigmoidectomy and histopathological examination disclosed the tumor was NET grade 1. Multiple liver metastases and lymph node metastasis on the posterior surface of the pancreatic head were detected at the time of surgery. Trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE; doxorubicin and ethiodized oil and gelatine sponge particle) was performed. Partial response (PR) was observed after 2 times of administration. Radiation therapy was performed for the lymph node metastasis eight months after surgery and PR was observed. The patient was alive after 48 months and TACE was continued. Combined therapy including surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy, although not yet standardized, is required against NET with hepatic metastases.     

Combination of operation, chemotherapy and radiation for AFP producing gastric cancer--a case report

We report a case of AFP producing gastric cancer after a combination of operation, chemotherapy and radiation. A 70-year-old man was admitted complaining of abdominal fullness. He was diagnosed as having type 3 advanced gastric cancer with multiple lymph node metastasis, including No. 8p lymph node, by endoscopy and computed tomography. Distal gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection were performed after chemotherapy using S-1, low-dose CDDP and CPT-11. Histopathological study showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, and immunohistochemical study revealed a few AFP-positive tumor cells. Postoperatively, radiation (50 Gy) was performed for paraaortic lymph node metastasis and right hepatic lobectomy for liver metastasis. However, about 2 months after hepatic lobectomy, liver metastasis was diagnosed again by computed tomography, and radiation (30 Gy) was performed. He died 13 months after first surgery.     

A case of liver metastasis of rectal cancer demonstrating complete response to 5-FU + Leucovorin + UFT

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is a rate-limiting enzyme that metabolizes 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We report a patient with metachronous liver metastasis from rectal cancer with low expression of DPD, who demonstrated complete response to chemotherapy comprising 5-FU, Leucovorin, and UFT. A 53-year-old man underwent macroscopically curative proctectomy with coloanal anastomosis for lower rectal cancer (Curability B). The DPD level in the primary tumor determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was extremely low (10.3 U/mg.protein). Three months postoperatively, 5-FU (333 mg/m2) + Leucovorin (200 mg/m2) therapy (once a week for 3 weeks with a one-week rest interval, repeatedly) was started as an adjuvant therapy. However, computed tomography demonstrated a solitary liver metastasis 3 cm in size 1 month later. Chemotherapy was continued with dose escalation of 5-FU (500 mg/m2) and with oral administration of UFT-E (400 mg/body, daily). Five months later, computed tomography did not detect the liver metastasis, and this finding was maintained for two months (complete response). This case provides evidence that a low expression of DPD in the primary lesion is related to a favorable response of liver metastasis to 5-FU-based systemic chemotherapy.     

A patient with small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus with synchronous liver metastasis surviving 48 months after surgery]

Small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus is regarded as having a poor prognosis with frequent and early systemic metastasis. Recently, several reports have described small-cell carcinoma satisfactorily treated by chemotherapy and radiation therapy combined with surgery. We herein report a patient with small-cell carcinoma of esophagus with synchronous multiple liver metastasis who survived 44 months after surgery. A 70-year-old man was found to have a polypoid lesion at the abdominal esophagus by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A biopsy specimen of the lower esophagus demonstrated undifferentiated carcinoma of the esophagus. Ultrasonographic investigation demonstrated solitary SOL in the liver. The patient underwent a total gastrectomy and lower esophagectomy by an abdominal approach. As ultrasonographic evaluation during laparotomy revealed multiple liver metastases, a hepatic artery infusion catheter was inserted into the proper hepatic artery. A pathological study of the resected esophagus and a biopsy specimen of the liver revealed undifferentiated cell carcinoma of the esophagus (small-cell type). During hospitalization, hepatic artery infusion therapy (CDDP 20 mg/4 h and 5-FU 750 mg/5 h) was given for 4 days starting on days 14 and 28. After chemotherapy, liver metastasis could not be detected by ultrasonographic investigation. At the outpatient clinic bi-weekly hepatic artery infusion of 5-FU (1,500 mg/body/5 h) was continued for 30 months. The patient is alive 48 months after surgery without any evidence of recurrence.