Targeted chemoembolization of tumors with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) particles

Thirty-four patients suffering from various kinds of tumors, including meta stasis, were treated by selective embolization with both spherical and cyli ndrical poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] particles and topica l chemotherapy. Treatment of a patient with carcinoid metastases in the liv er is discussed. Immediately after embolization, 5-fluorouracil, and later, doxorubicin and Lipiodol, were selectively infused into the tumorous tissu e for approximately 1 week. Patient received four cycles of this infusion. Chemoembolization proceeded against the background of anticoagulant therapy using small doses of heparin or its low-molecular-weight analogue, daltepa rin. This was followed by transcutaneous transhepatic portography and embol ization. Finally, the tumor-feeding artery and portal vein were sealed by a hydrogel. After 1.5 months, the affected liver lobe was resected. Although 4 years from the beginning of treatment, the patient is still alive. Embol ization with poly(HEMA) hydrogel particles in conjunction with an anticance r drug infusion via catheter is recommended as an efficient method of tumor treatment. The therapeutic effect has been shown to be a function of ische mia and slow local infusion of drug into the tumor, and systemic drug level s can be kept low. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 51, 184-190, 2000.