Clearance of anti-cancer agent in hepatic carcinoma after transarterial embolization with Lipiodol assessed by Tc-99m pertechnetate

To study the clearance of an anti-cancer agent in hepatic carcinoma after transarterial embolization with Lipiodol, the clearance of Tc-99m pertechnetate mixed with Lipiodol was analyzed experimentally and clinically. The anti-cancer agent and Lipiodol maintained the condition of suspension in the disposable syringe during the injection into the liver after pumping by syringe connector system. In tumor vessels of the tumor, the anti-cancer agent was retained in the Lipiodol layers in a stripe-like pattern for a long time. Clinically, the wash-out of the anti-cancer agent was more delayed in the tumor area than in the non-tumor area. Also, the anti-cancer agent was retained in the tumor area even 24 hours after injection. These results suggest that the Lp-TAE using iodized oil (Lipiodol) mixed with an anti-cancer agent followed by gelatin sponge is useful in producing both the better effects of chemotherapy and embolization. (author)