Work

Transarterial Chemoembolization with BioPearls for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Preliminary Experience

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a widely accepted and minimally invasive treatment for primary and metastatic liver cancer. Performing TACE with drug-eluting beads helps obtain a greater drug concentration in the target lesion, significantly reducing systemic drug leakage, liver toxicity, and adverse events. The aim of this study is to describe the safety and feasibility of TACE performed with BioPearlTM, the first biodegradable drug-eluting microspheres. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study on 13 consecutive patients affected by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with doxorubicin-loaded-BioPearlTM-TACE. Data on safety, feasibility, and tumor response were collected. Results: One intra-procedural catheter blockage was registered, as well as two post-treatment bilomas that required additional treatment. No severe general drug-related side effects were detected at the follow-up. The 1-month overall disease control was 90.9%, with six complete responses. Conclusions: Data suggest that chemoembolization with BioPearlTM is feasible and safe for the treatment of HCC as indicated by good tolerability.

Source: Pharmaceuticals

DOI: 10.3390/ph18030307

Authors: Roberto Iezzi, Alessandro Posa, Irene Bargellini, Carlo Spreafico