Intrabiliary administration of doxorubicin for pancreaticobiliary cancer

The effect and drug absorbtion of intrabiliary chemotherapy with Doxorubicin for pancreaticobiliary cancer with PTCD was investigated. Doxorubicin (DXR: 20 mg) was administered intrabiliary for 3 hours by PTCD catheter. Radiographic evaluation of the bile duct before and after chemotherapy and measurement of DXR concentration in the serum and bile were carried out. RESULTS: Intrabiliary administration of DXR was completed without any significant complications other than epigastric pain. Radiographic study of the bile duct of a patient with pancreatic cancer who could successfully complete DXR administration showed improvement of bile duct passage. The placement of biliary stent could be achieved. Concentration of DXR in the serum after administration was below the lowest determinable level while those in the bile maintained a considerably high concentration 4 hours after the administration. With negligible absorption from bile, intrabiliary chemotherapy with DXR was thought to be an acceptable palliative treatment for pancreaticobiliary cancer.