Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive treatment used to target liver tumors and certain cancers that have spread to the liver. Your procedure is performed by double board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney, who use image-guided techniques to deliver cancer-fighting medication directly into the tumor’s blood supply, helping control growth while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Overview
Chemoembolization is a targeted cancer therapy that treats primary liver tumors and cancers that have spread to the liver (liver metastases). Instead of delivering chemotherapy throughout the body, this procedure places high-dose cancer-fighting medication directly into the arteries feeding the tumor. At the same time, tiny particles are used to block the blood supply, helping the medicine stay concentrated where it’s needed most. This combination both starves the tumor and enhances the treatment’s effectiveness.
Chemoembolization Treats
Chemoembolization is used to treat primary liver cancer, liver metastases from cancers that began elsewhere (such as the colon), and those that are not responding to traditional therapies or cannot be removed surgically. By delivering chemotherapy into the tumor’s blood supply, this treatment can help slow growth, reduce tumor size, and ease symptoms caused by liver tumors. Common symptoms that chemoembolization can help with include:
- Persistent abdominal pain or fullness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Reduced appetite or early satiety
- Fatigue related to tumor burden
- Nausea or general digestive discomfort
How Chemoembolization Works
Chemoembolization works by delivering a concentrated dose of chemotherapy directly into the artery that supplies blood to a liver tumor. Using real-time imaging, your physician inserts a catheter into this blood vessel and releases medication along with microscopic particles. These particles block the artery, trapping the chemotherapy inside the tumor. This cuts off the tumor’s blood and oxygen supply while keeping the medication in contact with cancer cells longer, increasing its impact while limiting exposure to the rest of your body.
Advantages of Chemoembolization
Chemoembolization offers a focused way to treat liver tumors while protecting the rest of your body from unnecessary exposure to chemotherapy. By targeting cancer where it grows, this approach delivers meaningful benefits that enhance effectiveness. Key advantages of chemoembolization include:
- Direct delivery of high-dose chemotherapy to the tumor
- Minimal exposure of healthy tissue to medication
- Tumor size reduction that may ease pain or pressure
- Expanded treatments for patients who are not surgical candidates
- Minimally invasive therapy often performed on an outpatient basis
Is Chemoembolization the Same as Standard Chemotherapy?
No. Standard chemotherapy circulates throughout your entire body, exposing both cancerous and healthy cells to the medication. Chemoembolization, however, delivers a high concentration of chemotherapy into the artery feeding the tumor. This localized approach allows for stronger doses at the tumor site while minimizing side effects in other parts of the body.
Chemoembolization FAQs
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Most chemoembolization treatments take one to three hours, depending on the number and size of tumors being treated. Preparation, imaging, and recovery time may add several hours to your visit. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it typically does not require an overnight hospital stay, and many patients can return home the same day.
What is Recovery Like After Chemoembolization?
Recovery varies, but patients commonly experience fatigue, mild fever, nausea, or abdominal discomfort afterward, a cluster of symptoms known as post-embolization syndrome. These side effects usually last a few days and can be managed with medication and rest. Most patients resume normal activities within a week, although your physician will provide specific aftercare instructions based on your overall health and the extent of your treatment.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of treatments depends on the tumor’s size, location, and response to therapy. Some patients require a single session, while others may need multiple procedures. Your physician will monitor your progress and tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
Does Chemoembolization Cure Cancer?
Chemoembolization is not considered a cure, but it plays a crucial role in controlling tumor growth, easing symptoms, and improving quality of life, particularly for patients who cannot undergo surgery or whose tumors have not responded to other therapies.
Schedule Your Consultation
Medical Vascular Partners is committed to providing advanced, minimally invasive cancer treatments delivered by skilled, board-certified interventional radiologists. We use targeted endovascular therapies like chemoembolization to help manage liver tumors while preserving healthy tissue and supporting overall well-being. If you’re looking for expert, patient-centered care in a comfortable outpatient setting, our team is here to guide you. Schedule a consultation for chemoembolization in Austin, TX, to discuss your treatment options.
