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

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evalutate the feasibility of irinotecan drug-eluting beads (DC Bead (TM)) 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 itinotecan-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 tipper 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.