Warming effect on miriplatin–lipiodol suspension for potential use as a chemotherapeutic agent for transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma: In vitro study

Aim To elucidate whether warming may reduce the viscosity of miriplatin–lipiodol suspension ( MPT / LPD ) and also the injection pressure through microcatheters, for potential use as a chemotherapeutic agent of transarterial chemoembolization ( TACE ) for hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC ). Methods Viscosity of MPT / LPD prepared at on‐label dose was measured in vitro at 25°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C and 60°C using capillary tube method. Reproducibility of viscosity change was also tested. Injection pressure through two different commercially available microcatheters was measured using a rheometer. Data sampling was performed at least twice for each measurement. Results Viscosity of MPT / LPD was significantly reduced as the temperature was elevated ( R 2  = 0.9586, P  < 0.0001, Pearson's correlation); at 40°C, it was almost half of that at room temperature (25°C). Repeated warming and cooling down of MPT / LPD revealed good reproducibility of viscosity change. Injection pressure through either microcatheter showed significant reduction when MPT / LPD was warmed ( P  < 0.05, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). Conclusion The viscosity and injection pressure through microcatheters of MPT / LPD was confirmed to reduce significantly as the temperature is elevated. MPT / LPD warmed to 40°C has half viscosity as that at room temperature and is considered suitable for clinical use. Warming MPT / LPD may have potential to facilitate the procedure of TACE for HCC .