Lifepearls-Irinotecan

Lifepearls-Irinotecan is a chemoembolization system used for the treatment of liver tumors, particularly colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). It consists of Lifepearls, which are CE-marked, biocompatible, non-resorbable hydrogel microspheres, loaded with the chemotherapeutic agent irinotecan. The system is administered via transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), where the microspheres mechanically occlude the tumor's blood supply (embolization) while simultaneously providing a sustained, localized release of irinotecan directly into the tumor tissue. This targeted approach aims to maximize local drug concentration and tumor necrosis while minimizing systemic exposure and toxicity. Irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, is converted into its active metabolite SN-38, which induces double-strand DNA breaks, leading to cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Brand names

Lifepearls

Other names

LIVERPEARLS-IrinotecanIrinotecan-loaded LifepearlsIrinotecan-eluting beadsDEBIRI