Chemoembolization
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Chemoembolization is an innovative method used by the experts at Cancer Treatment Centers of America to treat certain types of liver cancer, whether the tumor began in the liver (liver cancer) or spread to it from another organ (metastasized to the liver). It involves injecting chemotherapy directly into the blood vessels that feed the liver tumor.
If you and your CTCA care team determine that chemoembolization is the proper treatment for you, a small catheter will be inserted through a needle (with X-ray guidance) into your femoral artery, located in your groin. The radiologist will then thread the catheter up through your aorta (the largest artery, located in your heart) and into the artery in your liver, which is the one that feeds the tumor.
Chemotherapy, mixed with a microsphere is injected directly through the catheter into this artery and into the tumor. When blood flow in the artery stops due to the blockage from the microsphere, the catheter is then removed. This procedure provides a high concentration of chemotherapy into the tumor and provides, what is usually, a temporary cut off of the arterial blood supply to the tumor.
There are many possible side effects from chemoembolization, since it involves both chemotherapy and the possible destruction of normal liver tissue as well as tumor. Most people experience some pain, fever, loss of appetite and fatigue. The overall risk of serious complication is related to your general underlying health, as well as the overall function of their liver.