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Chemoembolization
Chemoembolization is most beneficial to patients whose malignancy is limited to the liver. This can be primary liver cancer or metastatic disease to the liver.
Chemembolization works by supplying a high concentration of chemotherapy and embolic agents directly into the tumor. This technique allows for a treatment that can be focused on cancerous cells that have spread to the liver and does not expose the rest of the body to the chemotherapy.
The success of chemembolization often depends on the size and extent of the tumor being treated. Chemembolization is not a cure but can help prevent tumor growth and potentially preserve liver function. It can often destroy 70 to 90% of a tumor.
The procedure involves placement of a catheter in the femoral artery which is then guided by fluoroscopy into the hepatic arteries. (These arteries supply blood to the liver). Contrast material is then injected via the catheter to opacify the arteries feeding the tumor. The chemotherapeutic and embolic agents are then injected into these vessels.
In order to prevent liver damage and maximize effectiveness, only a portion of the liver is treated at one time. Depending on the number and type of malignancies, chemoembolization may be combined with of treatment options such as surgery, radiofrequency ablation, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
To find more about chemembolization and to find out if you are a candidate for treatment, please contact the Interventional Radiology Department at Northwest Community Hospital at 847 618 5980.