The pharmacokinetics of
mitomycin C after chemobolisation of the common hepatic artery by micronized
Spherex starch particles (mean particle size 30 microns) were investigated in 5
cancer patients. Bolus injection and simultaneous occlusion of the artery lead to a significantly lower systemic circulation of
mitomycin C in the blood vessel system than after bolus injection without chemobolisation. The plasma concentration-time curves showed lower values in the alpha-phase in the presence of
Spherex (co = 743 ng/ml) than without
starch particles (co = 987 ng/ml). Accordingly, the AUC values were significantly lower too (AUC = 28.6 micrograms/ml.h with
Spherex and 39.7 micrograms/ml.h without
Spherex), thus leading to a lower systemic bioavailability of the
drug and a higher local bioavailability in the
tumor region. Elimination of
mitomycin from the central compartment was similar for both administrations (t1/2 = 27 min with
Spherex and 28 min without
Spherex) and showed the characteristic profile of the substance. The clinical picture showed a milder toxicity with a certain loss of side effects. These results indicate a significant and desirable change in the pharmacokinetics of
mitomycin C during the distribution phase into the tissue of patients.