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Radioprotectant-loaded visualizable cationic radioactive microspheres: Reduced hepatic tissue damage and
Xun-Zheng Su1, En-Qi Qiao2,3,4,5, Wen-Yu Wu6
1State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
Materials Today. Bio
|February 12, 2026
Summary
New microspheres improve transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for liver cancer. These visualizable, drug-eluting beads deliver targeted radiotherapy while protecting healthy liver tissue from radiation damage.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research
- Radiotherapy and interventional oncology
- Biomaterials and drug delivery systems
Background:
- Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is effective for intermediate- and advanced-stage Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- Current microspheres for TARE have limitations including suboptimal embolization, non-target delivery, poor tracking, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation damaging normal tissues.
- There is a need for improved embolic agents that enhance TARE efficacy and minimize side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel visualizable, cationic, drug-eluting microspheres for TARE in HCC treatment.
- To enable loading of both a radioisotope (e.g., 131I) and a radioprotective agent (amifostine).
- To evaluate the microspheres' embolic properties, visualizability, amifostine loading/release, and protective effects on normal liver tissue.
Main Methods:
- Development of cationic quaternary ammonium salt-based microspheres.
- Loading of 131I for radiotherapy and amifostine via ion exchange for radioprotection.
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of microsphere properties, including embolization, CT/DSA visualization, amifostine release kinetics, and ROS neutralization.
- Assessment of liver protection and TARE therapeutic efficacy.
Main Results:
- The developed microspheres demonstrated good embolic properties and sustained visualizability via CT and DSA.
- Efficient loading and local release of amifostine were achieved through ion exchange, neutralizing ROS.
- The microspheres provided targeted radiotherapy while protecting normal liver tissue without compromising TARE efficacy.
- This approach enhanced amifostine utilization and improved radiotherapy precision.
Conclusions:
- Novel visualizable, drug-eluting microspheres offer a promising advancement for TARE in HCC treatment.
- These microspheres enhance therapeutic precision by combining targeted radiotherapy with localized radioprotection.
- The developed system addresses key limitations of current TARE approaches, improving safety and efficacy for liver cancer patients.
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