Abstract:

In this paper, the preparation and properties of mitomycin C dextran-microspheres(MMC-DMS)were reported. The characteristics of pharmacokinetics and embolization effects of MMC-DMS in vivo were studied in dogs. The average diameter of the microspheres was 75±19 μm and the content was 5% of MMC. In vitro experiment, the release rate of drug demonstrated that the microspheres had sustained-release properties. The microspheres and conventional MMC were infused into the hepatic artery of dogs through a catheter for embolization, respectively. The plasma concentration of MMC was determined by HPLC. Results showed that the peak concentration of conventional MMC was 2.6 times as much as MMC-DMS. Angiograms revealed that peripheral blood vessels decreased obviously in liver. The histopathologic examination showed that the microspheres lodged in the hepatic artery and displayed nodular necrosis in the embolized segment. The MMC-DMS were used in clinical trial in 100 patients with hepatic cancer. The tumor reduction and improvement of symptoms in patients were observed after hepatic arterial embolization. The survival duration was prolonged. Results showed that the MMC-DMS is a promising embolic agent for treatment of hepatic cancer. It could aid in the use of intensive chemotherapy with minimum systemic side effect.

Key words: Mitomycin C, Mitomycin C, dextran-microspheres, Hepatic arterial embolization, Hepatic cancer