Progress in research and application of PLGA embolic microspheres

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is crucial for solid cancer treatment, with embolic agent properties significantly impacting efficacy.
• Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been researched for over 40 years in medical applications due to its biocompatibility and tunable degradation.
• PLGA microspheres offer advantages in TACE, including controllable degradation and versatile hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the production methods of micrometer-scale PLGA microspheres.
• To summarize the clinical and experimental applications of various PLGA microspheres in TACE.
• To highlight the benefits of PLGA microspheres in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on PLGA microsphere production techniques.
• Analysis of experimental and clinical studies involving PLGA microspheres in TACE.
• Categorization of PLGA microspheres into blank, drug-loaded, and radioactive types.

Main Results:

• Five distinct methods for preparing micrometer-scale PLGA microspheres were identified.
• Three types of PLGA microspheres (blank, drug-loaded, radioactive) have been utilized in research or clinical practice.
• PLGA microspheres demonstrate significant potential in enhancing TACE effectiveness for solid tumors.

Conclusions:

• PLGA microspheres represent a versatile and effective class of embolic agents for TACE.
• Continued research and development in PLGA microsphere technology promise further advancements in cancer treatment.
• The review underscores the importance of PLGA microspheres in modern interventional oncology.