Idarubicin + lipiodol

Idarubicin + lipiodol is a combination used primarily in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Idarubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent that acts as a DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor, promoting DNA strand breakage, trapping cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis. It has higher antitumor activity and greater hydrophobicity compared to other anthracyclines like doxorubicin, allowing for more stable emulsions with lipiodol—a radiopaque oil used as a drug carrier in TACE procedures[1][3][4][5]. The combination enables targeted delivery of idarubicin directly to liver tumors via intra-arterial injection. Clinical studies have shown promising safety and efficacy profiles for this emulsion in patients with unresectable HCC[4][5].