Bradycardia Associated With Drug-Eluting Beads Loaded With Irinotecan (DEBIRI) Infusion for Colorectal Liver Metastases

Intra-arterial injection of drug-eluting beads loaded with irinotecan (DEBIRI) is a new treatment option being investigated, with encouraging results, for unresectable colorectal liver metastases that are refractory to systemic chemotherapy (Martin et al., Ann Surg Oncol 18:192-198, 2011). Toxicity related to DEBIRI has also been described (Martin et al., Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 33:960-966, 2010). Nevertheless, experience and literature related to DEBIRI remain limited, and experience with this treatment is expected to increase. The purpose of this article is to describe bradycardia occurring during DEBIRI administration, which has not been reported thus far.