Stability of doxorubicin combined with Radioselectan®, a contrast agent, for chemoembolization

Objective: To assess the stability of doxorubicin combined with Radioselectan((R)). Methods: Solutions of doxorubicin 5 mg/mL were prepared from commercially available 50 mg powder with 10 mL of Radioselectan((R)). They were stored in glass syringes at 4, 25 and 45 degrees C. The concentrations of doxorubicin were determined using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method. The initial and final pHs of solutions were compared. The times (t(90)) needed for doxorubicin to fall to 90% of its initial concentration were calculated by a linear regression analysis. Results: The t(90) [95% confidence limits] were 79 [75-83], 56 [53-59] and 22 [21-23] hours for the solutions stored at 4, 25 and 40 degrees C respectively. The initial pH of the solutions stored at 4, 25 and 40 degrees C were 6.52, 6.50 and 6.51 respectively. The final pH of solutions stored at 25 and 40 degrees C decreased significantly by 0.3 and 0.9 respectively. No change of pH solution stored at 4 degrees C was observed. Conclusion: Doxorubicin combined with Radioselectan((R)) stored at room temperature is stable for 48 h.