Intra-arterial infusions of pelvic tumors with amethopterin

Summary Six patients with carcinomas of the cervix, uterus, or vagina that persisted or recurred after conventional surgical or radiation therapy were treated by continuous infusion of amethopterin into the hypogastric arteries. Citrovorum factor was administered intramuscularly to prevent generalized toxic manifestations. Hypogastric arteriograms in each case demonstrated evidence of flow of the concentrated drug directly to the tumor. For this therapy, normal or nearly normal renal function is an absolute prerequisite. The immediate effect of the hypogastric intra-arterial infusion on the tumor is profound necrosis, but any neoplastic cells not completely des troyed apparently begin to recover as soon as therapy is stopped.