# Characterization of endovascular ablative therapies with computational modeling

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2022 · $227,205

## Abstract

Curative therapies are not available to greater than 80% of the patient population with hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC). There is a well-recognized need for novel methods that can intricately balance (1) treatment of the disease
extent with (2) preservation of liver function and minimizing risk of recurrence and metastasis. Thermoemboliza-
tion provides a novel conceptual platform for minimally invasive interventions in which an acid chloride reagent
is delivered through an endovascular route via transarterial catheter. The reagent is dissolved in an inert oily
solvent and sandwiched between two aliquots of the inert solvent at the leading and trailing edges. Hydrolysis
of the acid chloride within the target tissue simultaneously releases the parent acid and an equivalent of hy-
drochloric acid. The localized release of acid combined with disruption of the blood supply as well as the heat
energy from the exothermic reaction synergistically causes tumor cell death. Current challenges in translating
this exciting therapy to patients are a lack of characterization of the mechanisms for a controlled delivery. Project
efforts focus on integrating imaging measurements with mathematical model developments to provide key insight
in developing this novel thermoembolization treatment approach. The use of high-fidelity predictive models will
characterize fundamental mass, thermal, and chemical transport processes needed for control of an effective
thermoembolization delivery without unwanted tissue damage. A highly interdisciplinary team with expertise in
imaging physics, mathematical modeling, interventional radiology, veterinary pathology, and biochemistry has
been assembled to accomplish this goal.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10426635
- **Project number:** 1R21CA260016-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** David Fuentes
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $227,205
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-26 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10426635

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10426635, Characterization of endovascular ablative therapies with computational modeling (1R21CA260016-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10426635. Licensed CC0.

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