Resin Microspheres Research Articles

Case Report: Successful Treatment of Solitary Fibrous Tumor with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT)

Background: This case report details the innovative use of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 resin microspheres to treat a 73-year-old woman with a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), a rare and challenging tumor type. SFTs often present significant treatment difficulties, especially in cases of recurrence or metastasis, as systemic therapies typically show limited effectiveness. This report explores SIRT as an alternative therapeutic approach for SFTs with liver metastasis. Methods: The patient initially presented with a pelvic mass, which was surgically resected. However, metastatic disease later developed in the liver. After experiencing severe side effects from targeted therapy with sunitinib, the patient was selected for treatment with SIRT as an alternative. Results: Following the SIRT intervention, the patient demonstrated a substantial reduction in tumor size and significant relief from symptoms. This outcome suggests SIRT’s effectiveness as a targeted treatment for metastatic SFT. Conclusions: To our knowledge, and based on an extensive literature review, this is the first reported instance of treating SFT with SIRT. This case provides new insights into SIRT’s potential as a therapeutic strategy, particularly for patients for whom conventional treatments are either ineffective or intolerable. The success observed here underscores SIRT’s potential as a less invasive, locally targeted treatment option, offering hope for similar cases.

Streamlining Radioembolization without Lung Shunt Estimation versus Regular Radioembolization in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma within the Milan Criteria

PurposeTo assess the effectiveness and safety of streamlining transarterial radioembolization (S-TARE) without lung shunt fraction estimation using nuclear medicine imaging, compared with regular transarterial radioembolization (R-TARE), for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria. Materials and MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2022, 100 consecutive patients with HCC within the Milan criteria underwent R-TARE (n = 38) or S-TARE (n = 62) and were retrospectively analyzed. Adverse events, complete response (CR) rates, and time to progression (TTP) by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (mRECIST) and localized mRECIST following each treatment were compared using the Fisher exact test and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses with covariate adjustment. ResultsSerious adverse events ≥ Grade 3 occurred in 3 (7.9%, 3/38) and 2 (3.2%, 2/62) patients following R-TARE and S-TARE, respectively (P = .365). No patients developed radiation pneumonitis. Among the 84 patients treated with glass microspheres, the CR rates were not significantly different after R-TARE (96.9%, 31/32) and S-TARE (90.4%, 47/52) (P = .400). There was no significant difference in TTP by mRECIST between R-TARE and S-TARE (unadjusted P = .400, adjusted P = .712). For patients with a single HCC, no significant difference was observed in TTP by localized mRECIST (unadjusted P = .090, adjusted P = .242). In the 16 patients treated with resin microspheres, the CR rates were 66.7% (4/6) for R-TARE and 90% (9/10) for S-TARE, respectively (P = .518). ConclusionsS-TARE using yttrium-90 glass or resin microspheres was as effective and safe as R-TARE for HCC within the Milan criteria.

The Impact of Radiation Dose and Tumour Burden on Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 11-Year Experience in a 413-Patient Cohort Treated with Yttrium-90 Resin Microsphere Radioembolisation

Introduction: Transarterial radioembolisation (RE) using yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres is a widely used locoregional therapy for a broad spectrum of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) given its favourable safety profile. We evaluated the real-world outcomes of unresectable HCC treated with resin Y-90 RE and the relationship between tumour absorbed dose and subsequent curative therapy with survival. Methods: Included were consecutive patients treated with Y-90 resin microspheres RE for unresectable HCC between January 2008 and May 2019 at the National Cancer Centre Singapore/Singapore General Hospital. The outcomes were stratified by tumour burden, distribution, presence of portal vein invasion (PVI) and liver function to improve prognostication. Results: The median overall survival (OS) evaluated on 413 included patients was 20.9 months (95% CI: 18.2–24.0). More than half of the patients (214/413, 51.8%) had HCC beyond up-to-seven criteria, and 37.3% had portal vein invasion (154/413, 37.3%). Majority (71.7%) had dosimetry calculated based on the partition model. Patients who received ≥150 Gy to tumour had significantly better outcomes (OS 32.2 months, 95% CI: 18.3–46.4) than those who did not (OS 17.5 months, 95% CI: 13.7–22.7, p < 0.001). Seventy patients (17%) received curative therapies after tumour was downstaged by Y-90 RE and had better OS of 79.7 months (95% CI: 40.4 – NE) compared to those who did not receive curative therapies (OS 17.1 months; 95% CI: 13.5–20.4, p < 0.001). RE-induced liver injury was observed in 5.08% of the patients while 3.2% of the patients had possible radiation pneumonitis but none developed Grade 3–4 toxicity. For HCC without PVI, OS differed significantly with performance status, albumin-bilirubin grade, tumour distribution, and radiation dose; for HCC with PVI, Child-Pugh class and AFP were significant predictors of survival. Conclusions: Treatment outcomes for unresectable HCC using Y-90 RE were favourable. Incorporating tumour burden and distribution improved prognostication. Patients who received tumour absorbed dose above 150 Gy had better OS. Patients who subsequently received curative therapies after being downstaged by Y-90 RE had remarkable clinical outcomes.

Determining beta radiation doses from Y-90 microsphere for the treatment of hepatic tumors by using Monte Carlo and analytical methods

The very short range of beta radiation is a potential radiation treatment for tumor, which can preserve sensitive structures. However, due to the limited range of beta radiation, practical dosimetry of beta sources may be a point of concern, and theoretical dosimetry methods play an important role. A resin microsphere loaded with the Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radionuclide can be applied in the radioembolization of hepatic tumors. In this work, we present initial calculations of dose rates around a microsphere loaded with the Y-90 radionuclide uniformly distributed on its exterior surface. Two approaches were used to carry out the estimations: the first one by means of Monte Carlo simulations using the PENELOPE code and the second one by means of the beta-point dose function formalism. A Fortran code was developed to handle with the various quantities necessary to perform the numerical integration of the beta-point dose function. A comparison between results obtained by means of both methods indicated a maximum difference of ~5% up to the 0.3 cm distance from the center of the sphere.

Preparation of yttrium-90 resin microspheres based on SiO2-Fe3O4 nanomaterials and analysis of their biodistribution

This study reports the development and evaluation of yttrium-90 (90Y) radiolabeled silica-coated iron oxide (SiO2-Fe3O4) resin microspheres for potential theranostic application in cancer radiation therapy. Iron oxide nanoparticles of average diameter 29.7 nm were synthesized via optimized co-precipitation and displayed superparamagnetic behavior ideal for MRI. Aminosilane surface functionalization enabled covalent conjugation of 1 mmol/g DTPA/DOTA chelators for labeling 2 mCi 90Y per 150 μg nanoparticles with 92 % efficiency when incubated for 45 mins at pH 5.5 and 50°C. In vitro stability assays in buffers and human serum showed excellent 90Y retention (>95 %) up to 48 hours. In vivo biodistribution in Wistar rats revealed extended nanoparticle circulation half-life of 5.2 hours and peak exposure of 22.4 %ID/g compared to rapid clearance of unconjugated 90Y chloride within 1 hour. Complete renal recovery by 72 hours and minimal bone accumulation (<2 %) proves in vivo stability and biocompatibility of the 90Y-radiolabeled theranostic platform.

Stimulation and imaging of neural cells via photonic nanojets

Various neuromodulation techniques have been developed to modulate the peak activity of neurons, thereby regulating brain function and alleviating neurological disorders. Additionally, neuronal stimulation and imaging have significantly contributed to the understanding and treatment of these diseases. Here, we propose utilizing photonic nanojets for optical stimulation and imaging of neural cells. The application of resin microspheres as microlenses enhances fluorescence imaging of neural lysosomes, mitochondria, and actin filaments by generating photonic nanojets. Moreover, optical tweezers can precisely manipulate the microlenses to locate specific targets within the cell for real-time stimulation and imaging. The focusing capabilities of these microlenses enable subcellular-level spatial precision in stimulation, allowing highly accurate targeting of neural cells while minimizing off-target effects. Furthermore, fluorescent signals during neural cell stimulation can be detected in real-time using these microlenses. The proposed method facilitates investigation into intercellular signal transmission among neural cells, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of neuronal cell activities at a subcellular level.

The safety and short-term efficacy of selective internal radiation therapy combined with systemic treatment for unresectable malignant hepatic tumors in Chinese patients.

e16247 Background: There are many systemic treatment options for patients with unresectable malignant hepatic tumors. In China, selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (Y90) resin microspheres was approved until 2022. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the safety and short-term efficacy of SIRT with Y90 resin microspheres followed by systemic treatment in Chinese patients. Methods: The study analyzed patients who received SIRT with Y90 combined with systemic treatment at our center between June 2022 and October 2023. The study's primary endpoint was to determine the objective response rate (ORR), while safety was the secondary endpoint. Response was measured based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria (mRECIST) up to 90 days after the initial therapy. Safety was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0. Results: 21 patients wereincluded, of whom 22 times of SIRT were performed. 18 patients had HCC, and 3 had mCRC.The baseline characteristics of the patients are shown in Table. The median age was 54 years (IQR, 48-59 years) and 90.5% of patients were male. According to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, grade 0 and grade 1 were 81% and 19%, respectively, whereas Child-Pugh A represented 90.5% of cases. The proportion of patients with hepatitis B virus infection was 95.2%. Thirteen (61.9%) patients received different treatments before SIRT. The median number of tumors was 2.5 (IQR, 1-4.3), whereas the median diameter of the largest lesion was 100.4 mm (IQR, 68.3-127.7 mm). PVTT was classified as follows: Vp1 (n = 3), Vp2 (n = 2), Vp3 (n = 2) and Vp4 (n = 1). Median AFP was 33.2 ng/mL (IQR, 5.9-401 ng/mL). The median total radiation activity administered was 1.4 GBq (IQR, 0.9-2.7 GBq) and the median target tissue dose was 205 Gy (IQR, 155-242 Gy). Nine (43%) patients were downstaged to surgery. Four (19%) patients had a complete response, fifteen (71.4%) had a partial response and two (9.5%) had a progressive disease. ORR and disease control rate were 90.5% and 90.5%, respectively. None of the patients experienced grade 3 and higher adverse events. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fever and abdominal pain, which required no special treatment. Conclusions: SIRT with Y90 resin microspheres combined with systemic treatment is safe and effective in patients with unresectable malignant hepatic tumors, which resulted in encouraging ORR (90.5%) and a downstaging rate (43%). Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2300077524. [Table: see text]

Outcome of Transarterial Radioembolization in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Glass Versus Resin Microsphere.

To compare the treatment outcomes of glass and resin microspheres for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluate the prognostic factors that influence the outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed 251 consecutive patients who underwent radioembolization for the treatment of HCC at a single tertiary center. Imaging responses after radioembolization were evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) 1.1. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify the prognostic factors. A total of 195 patients were included in this study (glass microsphere, n = 75; resin microsphere, n = 120). The complete and objective response rates were 16.0% and 50.7% in the glass microsphere group and 17.5% and 58.3% in the resin microsphere group, respectively. Median PFS was 241days in the glass microsphere group and 268days in the resin microsphere group (p = 0.871). Median OS was 29months in the glass microsphere group and 40months in the resin microsphere group (p = 0.669). The only significant prognostic factor was bilobar tumor distribution, which favored resin microspheres (p = 0.023). Procedure-related adverse events occurred more frequently in the resin microsphere group (glass, 2.7% vs. resin, 5.0%; p < 0.001). Glass and resin microspheres for the treatment of HCC did not show a significant difference in survival, though major adverse events occurred more frequently with the use of resin microspheres.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiation Segmentectomy with 90Y Resin Microspheres for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background Limited data are available on radiation segmentectomy (RS) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using yttrium 90 (90Y) resin microsphere doses determined by using a single-compartment medical internal radiation dosimetry (MIRD) model. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RS treatment of HCC with 90Y resin microspheres using a single-compartment MIRD model and correlate posttreatment dose with outcomes. Materials and Methods This retrospective single-center study included adult patients with HCC who underwent RS with 90Y resin microspheres between July 2014 and December 2022. Posttreatment PET/CT and dosimetry were performed. Adverse events were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Per-lesion and overall response rates (ie, complete response [CR], objective response, disease control, and duration of response) were assessed at imaging using the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, and overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Among 67 patients (median age, 69 years [IQR, 63-78 years]; 54 male patients) with HCC, median tumor absorbed dose was 232 Gy (IQR, 163-405 Gy). At 3 months, per-lesion and overall (per-patient) CR was achieved in 47 (70%) and 41 (61%) of 67 patients, respectively. At 6 months (n = 46), per-lesion rates of objective response and disease control were both 94%, and per-patient rates were both 78%. A total of 88% (95% CI: 79 99) and 72% (95% CI: 58, 90) of patients had a per-lesion and overall duration of response of 1 year or greater. At 1 month, a grade 3 clinical adverse event (abdominal pain) occurred in one of 67 (1.5%) patients. Median posttreatment OS was 26 months (95% CI: 20, not reached). Disease progression at 2 years was lower in the group that received 300 Gy or more than in the group that received less than 300 Gy (17% vs 61%; P = .047), with no local progression in the former group through the end of follow-up. Conclusion Among patients with HCC who underwent RS with 90Y resin microspheres, 88% and 72% achieved a per-lesion and overall duration of response of 1 year or greater, respectively, with one grade 3 adverse event. In patients whose tumors received 300 Gy or more according to posttreatment dosimetry, a disease progression benefit was noted. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Use of dose-volume histograms for metabolic response prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing transarterial radioembolization with Y-90 resin microspheres.

Voxel-based dosimetry offers improved outcomes in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using glass microspheres. However, the adaptation of voxel-based dosimetry to resin-based microspheres has been poorly studied, and the prognostic relevance of heterogeneous dose distribution remains unclear. This study aims to explore the use of dose-volume histograms for resin microspheres and to determine thresholds for objective metabolic response in HCC patients treated with resin-based TARE. We retrospectively reviewed HCC patients who underwent TARE with Y-90-loaded resin microspheres in our institution between January 2021 and December 2022. Voxel-based dosimetry was performed on post-treatment Y-90 PET/CT images to extract parameters including mean dose absorbed by the tumor (mTD), the percentage of the targeted tumor volume (pTV), and the minimum doses absorbed by consecutive percentages within the tumor volume (D10, D25, D50, D75, D90). Assessment of metabolic response was done according to PERCIST criteria with F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging at 8-12weeks after the treatment. This study included 35 lesions targeted with 22 TARE sessions in 19 patients (15 males, 4 females, mean age 60 ± 13years). Objective metabolic response was achieved in 43% of the lesions (n = 15). Responsive lesions had significantly higher mTD, pTV, and D25-D90 values (all p < 0.05). Optimal cut-off values for mTD, pTV, and D50 were 94.6Gy (sensitivity 73%, specificity 70%, AUC 0.72), 94% (sensitivity 73%, specificity 55%, AUC 0.64), and 91Gy (sensitivity 80%, specificity 80%, AUC 0.80), respectively. Parameters derived from dose-volume histograms could offer valuable insights for predicting objective metabolic response in HCC patients treated with resin-based TARE. If verified with larger prospective cohorts, these parameters could enhance the precision of dose distribution and potentially optimize treatment outcomes.

Multicenter evaluation of the safety and efficacy of selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90 resin microspheres in Taiwan: data from the RESIN registry.

The REgistry of Selective Internal radiation therapy in AsiaNs (RESIN) was a multicenter, single-arm, prospective, observational study of 90Y resin microspheres in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) from Taiwan. RESIN is the first real-life clinical study of this therapy in an Asian cohort. Study objectives were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 90Y resin microspheres. Adults with HCC or mCRC scheduled to receive SIRT with 90Y resin microspheres were included. Primary endpoints were best overall response rate (ORR), adverse events, and changes from baseline in liver function. Secondary efficacy endpoints included overall survival (OS). Of 107 enrolled patients, 83 had HCC, and 24 had mCRC. ORR was 55.41% (HCC) and 33.33% (mCRC). Of 58 HCC patients with 6-month post-SIRT data, 13.79% (n=8) had resection, transplantation, transarterial chemoembolization, or radiofrequency ablation as the result of down-staging or down-sizing of their lesions. One hundred and ten treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 51 patients, and five serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in five patients. The most frequent TEAEs were abdominal pain, nausea and decreased appetite (HCC), and abdominal pain, decreased appetite, fatigue, and vomiting (mCRC). Two deaths due to SAEs (probably related to SIRT) were reported, both in patients with extensive HCC, active hepatitis infection, and other comorbidities. Median OS was 24.07 (HCC) and 12.66 (mCRC) months. Safety and efficacy outcomes with the routine use of SIRT with 90Y resin microspheres in Taiwan are consistent with published data.

Rapid separation, purification of 90Sr and feasibility studies for the preparation of 90Y resin microsphere brachytherapy source from FBTR irradiated fuel dissolver solution

Rapid separation, purification of 90Sr and feasibility studies for the preparation of 90Y resin microsphere brachytherapy source from FBTR irradiated fuel dissolver solution

Polysaccharide hydrogel containing silver nanoparticle@catechol microspheres with photothermal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities for infected-wounds repair

Anti-infection hydrogels have recently aroused enormous attraction, particularly in the treatment of chronic wounds. Herein, silver nanoparticle@catechol formaldehyde resin microspheres (Ag@CFRs) were fabricated by one-step hydrothermal method and subsequently encapsulated in hydrogels which were developed by Schiff base reaction between aldehyde groups in oxidized hyaluronic acid and amino groups in carboxymethyl chitosan. The developed polysaccharide hydrogel exhibited microporous structure, high swelling capacity, favorable mechanical strength, enhanced tissue adhesion and photothermal activities. Additionally, the hydrogel not only ensured long-term and high-efficiency antibacterial performance (99.9 %) toward E. coli and S. aureus, but also realized superior cytocompatibility in vitro. Moreover, based on the triple antibacterial strategies endowed by chitosan, silver nanoparticles and the photothermal properties of catechol microspheres, the composite hydrogel exhibited excellent anti-infection function, significantly downregulated inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1β) and promoted in vivo infected-wound healing. These results demonstrated that the polysaccharide hydrogel containing Ag@CFRs has great potential for infected-wounds repair.

Constructing ‘bayberry shape’ structure on HGMs surface using CNTs to enhance the mechanical properties of HGMs/epoxy composites

The lightweight composites, composed of epoxy resin (EP) and hollow glass microspheres (HGMs), have been widely applied in marine buoyancy materials, insulation for marine pipelines, and aerospace. However, achieving lower density often requires a significant addition of HGMs, leading to a compromise in mechanical properties. To address this problem, this paper proposes a method to enhance the mechanical properties of HGMs/EP composites without altering the HGMs content. Here, the ‘bayberry shape’ structure of HGMs was achieved by chemically grafting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto their surface through an esterification reaction. Subsequently, a lightweight CNTs-HGMs/EP composite with improved strength was fabricated using these ‘bayberry’ HGMs as fillers and EP as the matrix. The effect of different grafted-CNTs content on HGMs' surface on the mechanical properties of CNTs-HGMs/EP composites, along with the enhancement mechanism, were systematically analyzed. The tensile strength, flexural strength and compressive strength of CNTs-HGMs/EP composites demonstrated remarkable increases of 39.14%, 21.78% and 17.87%, respectively, compared to pure HGMs/EP composites. Our results demonstrate that surface modification of HGMs could significantly improved the mechanical properties of HGMs/EP composites without affecting their density. Moreover, this method was characterized by its simplicity in operation and batch preparation, which holds great significance for the efficient production of lightweight composites.

The Influence of Additional Treatments on the Survival of Patients Undergoing Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE).

The aim of this study was to present our preliminary experience with transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using Yttrium-90 (90Y), compare the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases undergoing TARE, and investigate the influence of additional treatments on CSS. Our database was interrogated to retrieve patients who had undergone TARE using Yttrium-90 (90Y) glass or resin microspheres. Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test were employed to conduct survival analysis for the different groups (p < 0.05). Thirty-nine patients were retrieved (sex: 27 M, 12 F; mean age: 63.59 ± 15.66 years): twenty-three with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and sixteen with CRC liver metastasis. Globally, the patients with HCC demonstrated a significantly longer CSS than those with CRC liver metastasis (22.64 ± 2.7 vs. 7.21 ± 1.65 months; p = 0.014). Among the patients with CRC liver metastasis, those receiving TARE and additional concomitant treatments (n = 10) demonstrated a longer CSS than the CRC patients receiving only TARE (9.97 ± 2.21 vs. 2.59 ± 0.24 months; p = 0.06). In the HCC group, there was a trend of a longer CSS in patients (n = 8) receiving TARE and additional treatments (27.89 ± 3.1 vs. 17.69 ± 3.14 months; p = 0.15). Patients with HCC seem to achieve a longer survival after TARE compared to patients with CRC liver metastases. In patients with CRC liver metastases, the combination of TARE and additional concomitant treatments may improve survival.

Hierarchical porous hollow carbon microsphere/carbon nanotube heterostructures for high-performance supercapacitor

Constructing carbon nanotube (CNT)-based electrode materials is an effective strategy for the development of supercapacitors with high-rate capability. In this work, hierarchical porous hollow carbon microsphere (HCM)/CNT heterostructures were prepared by calcination of 3-aminophenol formaldehyde resin microspheres (AFSs) with the assistance of ethanolamine and Ni salts. This approach, which ingeniously combines the template and CVD methods, not only generates both HCMs and CNTs, but also achieves the growth of CNTs on HCMs. The length and dispersion of CNTs as well as the porous structure of HCMs could be easily controlled by adjusting the amount of ethanolamine and the size of AFS. Combining the advantages of the fascinating structure, i.e., abundant micro-, meso-, and macropores, high electrical conductivity, and good wettability induced by the presence of high-level N atoms, the optimal sample exhibited superior electrochemical performance, such as a high specific capacitance of 234.9 F g−1 at 2 A g−1, excellent cycling stability with the capacitance retention of 93.9 % after 10,000 cycles. More importantly, it possessed outstanding rate capability because its capacitance remained almost constant as the current density was increased above 5 A g−1. This research sheds light on an avenue to construct CNT-based carbon heterostructures for efficient energy storage.

Preparation of magnetic amphiphilic resin microspheres via the one-step polymerization method and extraction of four glucocorticoids for HPLC–MS analysis

Amphiphilic materials can be used for sample preparation of chromatography or mass spectrometry. Amphiphilic materials with magnetic properties in combination with magnetic suction devices allow for automated sample preparation. However, conventional synthesis methods are cumbersome and not suitable for the mass production of the material. In this study, a micro-suspension polymerization method was developed to synthesize magnetic amphiphilic resin microspheres (MARMs), providing new ideas for the preparation of amphiphilic microspheres. MARMs with particle sizes ranging from 3 to 6 μm were successfully prepared, with BET surface area up to 653.2 m2/g. A magnetic solid-phase extraction method based on MARM-5 was developed for the extraction of four glucocorticoids including Cortisone, Hydrocortisone, Cortodoxone, and Corticosterone. This method had a very short adsorption time of 0.5 min and a total extraction time of only 13 min. The limit of detection for the four glucocorticoids ranged from 0.22 to 0.82 ng/L. There was a good linear relationship between sample concentration and peak area in the range of 25∼500 ng/L. Relative recovery of 98 %∼108 % and internal standard normalized matrix effect factors of 95∼114 % were obtained, and the relative standard deviation was between 2.3 % and 6.3 %. The MARMs would be used as excellent solid extraction material for glucocorticoids.

Monodisperse sulfonated melamine formaldehyde resin microspheres: Synthesis by dispersion polymerization and light-diffusing performance characterization

The development and characterization of sulfonated melamine formaldehyde resin microspheres (SMF microspheres) as light diffusers in epoxy resin was presented in this paper. The SMF microspheres were prepared through dispersion polymerization with uniform particle size, smooth surface, and a high refractive index. The particle size of the microspheres was controllable within the range from 0.8 to 3.7 µm according to the pH during acidic condensation and the amount of melamine. Compared to traditional MF microspheres, SMF microspheres possessed unique sulfonic acid groups, higher primary amine content, and stronger polarity, which prevent agglomeration when mixed with epoxy resin. The SMF microspheres thus prepared were used as light-diffusing fillers with epoxy resin as matrix. Experimental results and single-particle Mie scattering simulations confirmed that SMF microspheres with a higher refractive index and smaller particle size exhibited higher light-shading efficiency and the haze of EP, demonstrating their outstanding light-diffusing performance. In summary, the significant potential application of SMF microspheres in the field of light diffusers was demonstrated.

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy Using Y-90 Resin Microspheres for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

This literature review and exploratory network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) using yttrium-90 (Y-90) resin microspheres, regorafenib (REG), trifluridine-tipiracil (TFD/TPI), and best supportive care (BSC) in adult patients with chemotherapy-refractory or chemotherapy-intolerant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In light of recently published data, the literature was searched to complement and update a review published in 2018. Studies up to December 2022 comparing two or more of the treatments and reporting overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), or incidence of adverse events (AE) were included. The NMA compared hazard ratios (HRs) for OS and PFS using Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques. Fifteen studies were included, with eight studies added (none addressing SIRT). All active treatments improved OS in relation to BSC. SIRT had the longest OS among all treatments, although without statistically significant differences (HR [95% credible interval] for SIRT, 0.48 [0.27, 0.87]; TFD/TPI, 0.62 [0.46, 0.83]; REG, 0.78 [0.57, 1.05]) in a fixed effects model. Information regarding SIRT was insufficient for PFS analysis, and TFD/TPI was the best intervention (HR 2.26 [1.6, 3.18]). One SIRT study reported radioembolization-induced liver disease in > 10% of the sample; this was symptomatically managed. Non-haematological AEs (hand-foot skin reaction, fatigue, diarrhoea, hypertension, rash or desquamation) were more common with REG, while haematological events (neutropoenia, leukopenia, and anaemia) were more common with TFD/TPI. Current evidence supports SIRT treatment in patients with chemotherapy-refractory or chemotherapy-intolerant mCRC compared to newer oral agents, with comparable OS and low incidence of AEs.

Factors Impacting Survival After Transarterial Radioembolization in Patients with Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Combined Analysis of the Prospective CIRT Studies

PurposeTransarterial radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium-90 resin microspheres is a treatment option for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, optimising the timing of TARE in relation to systemic therapies and patient selection remains challenging. We report here on the effectiveness, safety, and prognostic factors associated with TARE for ICC in a combined analysis of the prospective observational CIRT studies (NCT02305459 and NCT03256994).MethodsA combined analysis of 174 unresectable ICC patients enrolled between 2015 and 2020 was performed. Patient characteristics and treatment-related data were collected at baseline; adverse events and time-to-event data (overall survival [OS], progression-free survival [PFS] and hepatic PFS) were collected at every follow-up visit. Log-rank tests and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were used to identify prognostic factors.ResultsPatients receiving a first-line strategy of TARE in addition to any systemic treatment had a median OS and PFS of 32.5 months and 11.3 months. Patients selected for first-line TARE alone showed a median OS and PFS of 16.2 months and 7.4 months, whereas TARE as 2nd or further treatment-line resulted in a median OS and PFS of 12 and 9.3 months (p = 0.0028), and 5.1 and 3.5 months (p = 0.0012), respectively. Partition model dosimetry was an independent predictor for better OS (HR 0.59 [95% CI 0.37–0.94], p = 0.0259). No extrahepatic disease, no ascites, and < 6.1 months from diagnosis to treatment were independent predictors for longer PFS.ConclusionThis combined analysis indicates that in unresectable ICC, TARE in combination with any systemic treatment is a promising treatment option.Level of evidence: level 3, Prospective observationalGraphic