polyvinyl alcohol embolization microspheres + chemotherapy

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embolization microspheres combined with chemotherapy represent a standard interventional oncology treatment known as conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE). The PVA microspheres are biocompatible, non-resorbable particles that act as a mechanical embolic agent, occluding the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to a tumor, thereby inducing ischemic necrosis. The chemotherapeutic component, which may include agents like doxorubicin, cisplatin, or mitomycin C, is typically emulsified with an oily contrast agent (like Lipiodol) and infused prior to or alongside the microspheres. This combination therapy is primarily utilized for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and certain liver metastases, aiming to achieve high local drug concentrations and prolonged tumor contact time while reducing systemic side effects.

Brand names

ContourIvalonPVA Foam

Other names

PVA-TACEconventional transarterial chemoembolizationcTACEpolyvinyl alcohol particles + chemotherapy