[Chemoembolization with degradable starch microspheres for liver metastases in colorectal cancer]

Transcatheter chemoembolization using Degradable Starch Microspheres (DSM) was performed in 17 patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer. Mitomycin C mixed with DSM was injected into the proper hepatic artery. Tumor regression of over 50% was observed in 9 of 17 cases (53%). Elevated serum CEA levels (greater than 10 ng/ml) decreased in 10 of 15 cases (67%). One-year survival rate was 50% in 17 cases. One-year survival rate was 100% in 7 cases with several liver metastases (H2). Abdominal pain occurred in 36%, mostly disappearing within 2 hours. No major side effects such as bone marrow suppression or hepatotoxicity were observed. Our results suggest that chemoembolization using DSM is effective and safe in the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer.