Breakthrough in Liver Cancer Treatment: Trackable Embolic Agents Show Promise

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Fudan University have developed trackable poly(vinyl alcohol) microspheres (DPT MPs) conjugated with 2,3,5-triiodobenzaldehyde for intraprocedural visualization via fluoroscopy or cone-beam computed tomography, addressing the technical challenges of transarterial radioembolization therapy. The study, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Science & Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, demonstrates the efficacy of 177Lu-DPT MPs in inducing immunogenic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study developed trackable poly(vinyl alcohol) microspheres (DPT MPs) conjugated with 2,3,5-triiodobenzaldehyde for intraprocedural visualization via fluoroscopy or cone-beam computed tomography.
  • The trackable microspheres achieved ultrahigh specific activity (0.74 mCi/mg) and maintained radiostability over 28 d.
  • The cumulative absorbed radiation doses of tumor tissue were at least 42-fold higher than that of peritumoral liver tissue, attributed to specific tumor targeting and prolonged retention of 177Lu-DPT MPs.
  • The study observed notable inhibition of tumor growth without notable side effects.
  • The research concluded that 177Lu-DPT MPs are promising trackable embolic agents for clinical radioembolization therapy.
  • The study included funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Science & Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality.
  • The research was conducted by Yuyi Qian and colleagues from Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, and the Department of Nuclear Medicine.

Statistics:

  • 0.74 mCi/mg: The ultrahigh specific activity of the 177Lu-DPT MPs.
  • 28 d: The duration over which the microspheres maintained radiostability.
  • 42-fold: The increase in cumulative absorbed radiation doses of tumor tissue compared to peritumoral liver tissue.
  • 177Lu-DPT MPs: The name of the trackable radioactive microspheres developed in the study.
  • 2025: The year in which the research was conducted.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Fudan University Yield New Data on Liver Cancer (Trackable Radioactive 177 lu-microspheres Induce Immunogenic Cell Death By Transarterial Radioembolization Therapy In Hepatocellular Carcinoma). Hematology Week. June 30, 2025; p 4764.
  • ACS Materials Letters. Trackable Radioactive 177 lu-microspheres Induce Immunogenic Cell Death By Transarterial Radioembolization Therapy In Hepatocellular Carcinoma. 2025.