Blood and urine analyses after radioembolization of liver malignancies with [Ho-166]Ho-acetylacetonate-poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres

BACKGROUND: [166Ho]Ho-acetylacetonate-poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres were used in radioembolization of liver malignancies by intra-arterial administration. The primary aim of this study was to assess the stability and biodistribution of these microspheres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood and urine samples were obtained from two clinical studies. Patient and in vitro experiment samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gamma-ray spectroscopy, light microscopy, Coulter particle counting, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: The median percentage holmium compared to the total amount injected into the hepatic artery was 0.19% (range 0.08-2.8%) and 0.32% (range 0.03-1.8%) in the 1 h blood plasma and 24 h urine, respectively. Both the blood plasma and urine were correlated with the neutron irradiation exposure required for [166Ho]Ho-AcAc-PLLA microsphere production (ρ = 0.616, p = 0.002). After a temporary interruption of the phase 2 clinical study, the resuspension medium was replaced to precipitate [166Ho]Ho3+ pre-administration using phosphate. The in vitro near-maximum neutron irradiation experiments showed significant [166Ho]Ho-AcAc-PLLA microsphere damage. CONCLUSION: The amount of holmium in the peripheral blood and urine samples after [166Ho]Ho-AcAc-PLLA microsphere intrahepatic infusion was low. A further decrease was observed after reformulation of the resuspension solution but minimization of production damage is necessary