Radiopaque PVA–Based Beads Loaded With Doxorubicin and Etamsylate for Transarterial Chemoembolization

Abstract

Drug-eluting embolic microspheres are receiving increasing attention in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which is one of the most important approaches for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, currently most commercial microspheres are radiolucent and their position in vivo needs to be indirectly monitored by X-ray angiography. In addition, microspheres reflux may cause nontargeted embolism. The aim of this study is to develop an inherently radiopaque embolic agent capable of delivering drugs and enhancing the embolic effect. In this study, using emulsification (S/W/O) and photocrosslinking, the mixture of methacrylated polyvinyl alcohol (PVAMA), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and barium sulfate was prepared into BaSO₄/PVA/AMPS beads. Barium sulfate act as computed tomography (CT) contrast agent, while sulfonic acid groups give the hydrogel beads drug loading and sustained release properties. The embolic performance of beads is enhanced by loading etamsylate. The results indicate that the prepared beads are radiopaque, biocompatible, with good drug sustained release performance. In vivo embolization and imaging properties were demonstrated by a rabbit ear central artery embolization model.