Chemoembolization
Encyclopedia
Chemoembolization is a procedure in which anticancer drugs are administered directly into a tumor
through its feeding blood supply, with concurrent or subsequent blockage of the feeding vessel by occlusive agents that are injected through the delivery catheter. This permits a higher concentration of drug to be in contact with the tumor for a longer period of time.
What is Chemoembolization?
Chemoembolization is a combination of local delivery of chemotherapy
and a procedure called embolization
to treat cancer
, most often of the liver
. It is also being trialled at University Clinic in Frankfurt, Germany for the treatment of mesothelioma with some promising results.
In chemoembolization, anti-cancer drugs are injected directly into the blood vessel
feeding a cancerous tumor. In addition, synthetic material called an embolic agent is placed inside the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor, in effect trapping the chemotherapy in the tumor.
To treat a Hepatocellular carcinoma, a steerable probe is inserted into the groin and guided to the artery feeding the tumour. A dose of chemo is injected into the targeted area and then the artery is embolized. This takes place while the patient is conscious as the surgeon requires breathing to be controlled. An injection of morphine is given straight after the procedure as it can be quite painful. The patient may lose consciousness after this. The patient must lie stationary for six hours after the procedure to allow the opened artery to heal. The patient will be kept overnight for observation and will probably be discharged the following day. This is normally followed up with a CT scan a few weeks later to check the success of the procedure.
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
through its feeding blood supply, with concurrent or subsequent blockage of the feeding vessel by occlusive agents that are injected through the delivery catheter. This permits a higher concentration of drug to be in contact with the tumor for a longer period of time.
What is Chemoembolization?
Chemoembolization is a combination of local delivery of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with an antineoplastic drug or with a combination of such drugs into a standardized treatment regimen....
and a procedure called embolization
Embolization
Embolization is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist and interventional neuroradiologists. It involves the selective occlusion of blood vessels by purposely introducing emboli.-Therapeutic applications:...
to treat cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
, most often of the liver
Liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
. It is also being trialled at University Clinic in Frankfurt, Germany for the treatment of mesothelioma with some promising results.
In chemoembolization, anti-cancer drugs are injected directly into the blood vessel
Blood vessel
The blood vessels are the part of the circulatory system that transports blood throughout the body. There are three major types of blood vessels: the arteries, which carry the blood away from the heart; the capillaries, which enable the actual exchange of water and chemicals between the blood and...
feeding a cancerous tumor. In addition, synthetic material called an embolic agent is placed inside the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor, in effect trapping the chemotherapy in the tumor.
To treat a Hepatocellular carcinoma, a steerable probe is inserted into the groin and guided to the artery feeding the tumour. A dose of chemo is injected into the targeted area and then the artery is embolized. This takes place while the patient is conscious as the surgeon requires breathing to be controlled. An injection of morphine is given straight after the procedure as it can be quite painful. The patient may lose consciousness after this. The patient must lie stationary for six hours after the procedure to allow the opened artery to heal. The patient will be kept overnight for observation and will probably be discharged the following day. This is normally followed up with a CT scan a few weeks later to check the success of the procedure.
External links
- Chemoembolization entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms