Clinical Pharmacy Services Publications
Superselective Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Experience with a New Emulsion.
Abstract
The authors provide background information on chemoembolization and describe their experience with a new emulsion formulation that may be useful for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) procedures in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients were selected using standardized criteria and underwent TACE using a chemotherapeutic emulsion consisting of doxorubicin, carboplatin, Renografin-60, and Ethiodol. A detailed description of the reconstitution methods for the chemotherapeutic emulsion is provided. The combination of agents used in this emulsion did not separate into water/oil components for up to 5 minutes, a relatively long period for such compounds. In addition, the radiographic contrast agents used in the emulsion made the procedure easier to perform because they showed up more clearly in fluoroscopic imaging, according to the radiologists. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm the superior results of this emulsion compared with previously used emulsions.