[An experimental study on hepatic arterial embolization with 131I-MMC-GM]

We designed a new gelatin microsphere (GM, 65 micron in diameter), which could combine with mitomycin C and 131I. The test in vitro showed that the GM had excellent drug release effect. Hepatic arterial embolization was carried out in 6 dogs with 131I-MMC-GM. The dogs survived from 4 to 28 days before being killed. Scintigraphy indicated that high radioactivity was concentrated in the liver, but was very low in the blood and thyroid. Pathologic study found that the GM was trapped in hepatic arterioles. The GM was eliminated by foreign body giant cells and the lumen of arterioles was occupied by granulations 14-28 days after operation. 131I-MMC-GM is a multiple anticancer agent which can exert triple action of targeting chemotherapy, internal radiotherapy and arterial embolization.