Evaluation of therapeutic arterial embolization in renal cell carcinoma using microencapsulated mitomycin C

The therapeutic arterial embolization in the case of renal cell carcinoma using microencapsulated mitomycin C (MMC) was investigated by an angiographic evaluation in comparison with nonencapsulated MMC. The Gelfoam embolization supplemented with nonencapsulated MMC could not necessarily prevent the recanalization and collateral circulation, while the Gelfoam embolization supplemented with microencapsulated MMC completely or considerably eliminated the revascularization with a distinct advantage in this degree. Moreover, peripheral blood MMC level after the embolization using microencapsulated MMC was reduced to 39 per cent of that after nonencapsulated MMC infusion. The result was consistent with the previous experiments, indicating that the transcatheter infusion of microencapsulated MMC is the therapeutic arterial embolization of the tumor-supplying vessels together with regional anticancer chemotherapy. Further clinical application to various malignancies is in progress.