Transarterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Lung Cancer
This phase II trial evaluates how well transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) works in treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer. TACE involves the injection of a blocking agent (tris-acryl gelatin microspheres [embospheres]) and a chemotherapy agent (mitomycin) directly into the artery that supplies oxygen to lung tumors. Mitomycin works by inhibiting deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. At the same time, the artery is blocked (embolized) with a blocking agent called tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (embospheres). This traps the chemotherapy inside the tumor and also cuts off the tumor’s blood supply. As a result, the tumor is exposed to a high dose of chemotherapy, and is also deprived of nutrients and oxygen. An imaging agent called ethiodized oil (lipiodol) is also used during the procedure for help visualizing the tumor. TACE with mitomycin, lipiodol, and embospheres may be effective at controlling or stopping the growth of lung tumors.