HepaSphere

HepaSphere is a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) microsphere designed for use as a drug-eluting embolic agent in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and other embolization procedures. It is packaged dry and expands up to four times its original size upon hydration. The unique structure allows it to rapidly absorb aqueous solutions such as contrast media or chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin or irinotecan, which are then loaded throughout the sphere via ionic and mechanical bonds. Once delivered intra-arterially, HepaSphere provides targeted occlusion of tumor-feeding blood vessels while enabling sustained local release of the loaded chemotherapy over days to weeks. This results in high intratumoral drug concentrations with reduced systemic exposure and toxicity compared to conventional TACE methods. Its conformability allows adaptation to vessel morphology for effective embolization with fewer adverse events[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

HepaSphere

Other names

superabsorbent polymer microsphereSAP microspheredrug-eluting microsphere