# Endovascular ChemoFilter to Reduce Doxorubicin Toxicity during Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy

> **NIH NIH R42** · FILTRO MEDICAL INC. · 2024 · $1,000,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Dosing of chemotherapeutics is limited by systemic toxic side effects. We are developing a new class of image-guided,
temporarily deployable, endovascular catheter-based medical devices that selectively remove specific drugs from the
bloodstream to reduce systemic toxicities. The ChemoFilter platform incorporates specialized sorbent materials that bind
target drugs in situ during locoregional therapy.
During intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC), including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancer, a substantial
fraction of the infused drug passes through the tumor and enters the systemic circulation via the hepatic veins, leading to
dose-limiting toxicities, most notably cardiotoxicity from doxorubicin (Dox). The ChemoFilter is designed to be temporarily
deployed in the hepatic veins via standard venous access to capture excess drug before it reaches the systemic
circulation. The device is removed at the end of the procedure, leaving no implant behind.
This project focuses on the development, optimization, and preclinical validation of next-generation ChemoFilter devices
that can be reliably delivered and deployed in human hepatic venous anatomy. Prototype devices are designed to
accommodate a range of vessel sizes using an expandable filtration architecture, improving clinical usability while
maintaining high drug capture efficiency. Devices are evaluated through a combination of benchtop testing, physiologically
relevant flow models, and in vivo large animal studies to assess navigability, biocompatibility, and filtration performance.
Prototype ChemoFilters will be modeled, built, validated in vitro for efficacy. Preclinical studies will be conducted to
quantify the ability of the ChemoFilter to reduce systemic exposure to Dox and decrease drug deposition in non-target
organs such as the heart. Additional studies will further evaluate device safety under survival conditions and support
design verification, risk analysis, and regulatory readiness.
The ChemoFilter technology is broadly applicable to a range of locoregional therapies in oncology and other disease
areas where drugs have localized therapeutic effects but systemic toxicities. Successful development of this platform has
the potential to significantly improve the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments by enabling higher local drug dosing
while minimizing off-target effects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10930909
- **Project number:** 5R42CA265316-03
- **Recipient organization:** FILTRO MEDICAL INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven William Hetts
- **Activity code:** R42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,000,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-23 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10930909

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10930909, Endovascular ChemoFilter to Reduce Doxorubicin Toxicity during Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy (5R42CA265316-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10930909. Licensed CC0.

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