Chemoembolization Alone or Associated With Bevacizumab for Therapy of Colorectal Cancer Metastases: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Study

Abstract

Aim: to assess efficacy and safety of chemoembolization alone (TACE) and followed by bevacizumab (TACE-B) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRC-LM) (NCT03732235).

Patients and methods: The study included 30 consecutive patients with CRC-LM. They were informed about the types of treatment available: TACE with irinotecan loaded into polythylene glycol embolics alone or followed by bevacizumab therapy. Each patient underwent self-randomization and 17 chose TACE, whereas 13 chose TACE-B.

Results: Tumor response at 3 months was complete response in one (6%) and four (31%) patients, and partial response in two (13%) and six (46%) patients, after TACE and TACE-B, respectively. No complications were observed during TACE. Most TACE-related adverse events were correlated with post-embolic syndrome.

Conclusion: The preliminary results of the study showed that the TACE-B is feasible and tolerable. This study will be continued in order accrue a larger number of patients and longer follow-up.

Keywords: Liver metastases; TACE; anti-angiogenesis; bevacizumab; chemoembolization; colorectal carcinoma; irinotecan; tumor response.

Conflict of interest statement

All Authors declare they have no conflicts of interest in regard to this study.

Copyright© 2020, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1. Kaplan–Meier curve of survival according to therapy with transarterial chemoembolization with irinotecan (TACE) alone and combined with bevacizumab (TACE-B).