Implementation of Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Therapy: Real-World Single-Center Experience

Background and objectives: Hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) therapy is an available option at highly specialized centers to treat unresectable liver tumors (e.g., colorectal liver metastases [CRLM]). This study describes the safety and outcomes of HAIP program implementation at an academic-based cancer center.

Methods: Patients who underwent HAIP placement (2021-2023) were included. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using Chi-square and Kruska-Wallis tests, respectively. Survival and variables associated with survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model, respectively.

Results: Of the 26 HAIP procedures for unresectable CRLM, four were done as adjuvant therapy. Median duration of HAIP therapy was 9.2 months and four patients subsequently underwent hepatectomy. Complication rate was 37.5%, with biliary complication rate of 23.1%. Median overall survival (OS) from date of diagnosis was 55.2 months. Concurrent primary tumor resection was associated with inferior OS (p = 0.030). Multivariable regression did not identify independent predictors of OS. Progression-free survival from time of HAIP placement was 7.8 months.

Conclusions: HAIP placement was technically successful in most patients with an acceptable complication rate. Survival outcomes were comparable with those described in the literature for HAIP therapy in combination with systemic therapy. The significant difference in outcomes for those with concurrent colectomy warrants further investigation.