Multifunctional microbeads for drug delivery in TACE.
Dawn Bannerman1, Wankei Wan1,2
1a Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering , University of Western Ontario , London , Ontario , Canada.
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|May 26, 2016
Summary
Advanced microbeads for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in liver cancer (HCC) offer enhanced drug delivery and imaging. Incorporating nanoparticles creates multifunctional systems for improved TACE therapy.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is standard for unresectable intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Microbeads are used for embolization and drug delivery in TACE.
- Current microbead technology has limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in microbead functionality for TACE.
- To explore novel microbead applications beyond embolization and drug delivery.
- To discuss the potential of multifunctional microbeads for improved HCC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on TACE and microbead technology.
- Discussion of microbead enhancements including imaging, targeting, and degradation.
- Exploration of incorporating nanoparticles into microbeads for multi-functionality.
Main Results:
- Microbeads can be engineered for enhanced imaging, targeting, and degradation.
- Multifunctional microbeads can deliver multiple therapeutics or combination therapies.
- Incorporating nanoparticles into microbeads ('nano-on-micro' systems) is a promising strategy.
Conclusions:
- Multifunctional microbeads represent a significant advancement in TACE therapy for HCC.
- Enhanced microbead systems have the potential to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
- Future research should focus on developing and validating these advanced 'nano-on-micro' systems.
