New Treatment for Liver Mets

Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of liver metastases from colorectal cancer using irinotecan-eluting beads: preliminary results.

Aliberti C, Tilli M, Benea G, Fiorentini G.

Department of Interventional Radiology Delta Hospital, via delle Tombe 65, 47023 Lagosanto, Ferrara, Italy. camy.ali@libero.it

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evalutate the feasibility of irinotecan drug-eluting beads (DC Bead) administered as trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with liver metastases from CRC were treated with TACE adopting irinotecan-eluting beads at a dose of 100 mg every 3 weeks. Computed Tomography (CT) was performed 24h before and after TACE. RESULTS: TACE with irinotecan eluting beads was found to be feasible and well-tolerated. Right upper quadrant pain (RUQP) lasting 4 days (range 2-7) was reported by all the patients. After 30 days, a reduction >50% of CEA levels and of the lesional contrast enhancement was observed in all the patients. Conclusion: Irinotecan drug-eluting beads administered as TACE were shown to be active and safe in patients with liver metastases from CRC.