Transarterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin-loaded beads for inoperable or recurrent colorectal cancer.

Purpose We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with doxorubicin-loaded CalliSpheres® beads (DEB-TACE) for the treatment of patients with inoperable or recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods This retrospective study recruited 12 consecutive patients with histology confirmation of CRC who received DEB-TACE between August 2017 and April 2020. There were 9 male and 3 female, with a mean age 62.5 ± 14.9 (range 29-84). Patients' characteristics, medical imaging data, complications and DEB-TACE procedure were retrospectively reviewed. The disease control rate was defined as the sum of complete response, partial response and stable disease. Results DEB-TACE was successfully performed in all patients. All patients showed local disease control 1 month after DEB-TACE. Disease control rates were 90.9% and 70.0% at 3 and 6 months after DEB-TACE procedure, respectively. Disease-free interval was 11.0 to 81.8 months. Five patients (41.7%) received prior chemotherapy treatments. No severe complications or procedure-related deaths were observed. The median overall survival was 15.9 months, and median progression-free survival was 13.4 months. Conclusion DEB-TACE is a safe and effective treatment and could be a option for patients with inoperable or recurred CRC.