[Chemoembolization for unresectable colorectal liver metastases with drug-eluting microspheres].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of chemoembolization using irinotecan-loaded DC Bead microspheres in the second-line chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2008 to 2013, thirty-two patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases underwent 78 chemoembolizations (mean 2.44 per patient). The results of embolization were assessed by computed tomography using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Survival rates were analyzed applying the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS: According to the RECIST criteria, a partial response at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment was found in 4, 2, and 0%, respectively. Stabilization was noted in 67, 53, and 12%. There were no complete responses. The median time to disease progression was 225 days; median survival was 420 days. By the study analysis, all the patients included in the study died.

CONCLUSION: Chemoembolization with drug-eluting microspheres may be successfully used in the second-line chemotherapy of colorectal liver metastases.