In the realm of oncology intervention, chemoembolization stands out as a vital technique in the fight against cancer. This minimally invasive procedure offers a targeted approach to treating liver cancer, providing patients with renewed hope and improved outcomes. Let’s delve into the intricacies of it, understanding how it works and its role in modern oncology.
Understanding Chemoembolization
It is a specialized form of locoregional therapy primarily used in the treatment of liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unlike systemic chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the body, it delivers a concentrated dose of chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor site. This targeted approach minimizes exposure to healthy tissues, reducing side effects and enhancing efficacy.
The Procedure
It is typically performed by an interventional radiologist in a specialized suite. The procedure begins with the insertion of a catheter into the artery that supplies blood to the liver, known as the hepatic artery. Through this catheter, chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin or cisplatin, mixed with a viscous substance called an embolic agent, are infused directly into the tumor-feeding arteries.
Mechanism of Action
The chemotherapy drugs work to destroy cancer cells, while the embolic agent blocks the blood supply to the tumor, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. This dual action not only targets the tumor directly but also enhances the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapy, maximizing its efficacy.
Advantages
Localized Treatment: It delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor site, minimizing systemic exposure and side effects.
Enhanced Efficacy: By blocking the blood supply, it enhances the concentration of chemotherapy drugs within the tumor, improving treatment outcomes.
Minimally Invasive: It is performed through a small incision, reducing recovery times and risks compared to traditional surgery.
Repeatable: It can be repeated as needed, offering a flexible treatment option for patients.
Patient Selection and Considerations
Patient selection for it depends on various factors, including tumor size, location, and liver function. Patients with advanced liver disease or compromised liver function may not be suitable candidates for this procedure. It is essential to consult with a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, interventional radiologists, and hepatologists, to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient.
Conclusion
It represents a significant advancement in the field of oncology, offering a targeted and effective treatment option for patients with liver cancer. By combining the benefits of chemo therapy and embolization, this technique has shown promising results in improving patient outcomes and quality of life. As research in this field continues to evolve, it is poised to play an increasingly vital role in the fight against cancer.
DR. ALOK KUMAR UDIYA
Well-known Interventional Radiologist Dr. ALOK KUMAR UDIYA is currently a consultant at The CARE CHL, an Indore hospital with NABH accreditation. He has a distinguished medical career and has studied at numerous top federal, state, and international superspecialty medical institutes.
He earned his M.B.B.S. from M G M Medical College in Indore and then M.D. in radiodiagnosis from Lady Hardinge Medical College at Delhi University.
Following that, he completed a fellowship in neuro- and vascular interventional radiology at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow, where he gained extensive experience in diagnostic imaging along with hepatobiliary, peripheral vascular, and neurovascular interventions.
The prestigious Institute of the liver and biliary sciences Hospital (ILBS), New Delhi, awarded him a P.D.C.C. (Post Doctoral fellowship) in Hepatobiliary intervention, where he also received further in-depth instruction and advanced training in hepatobiliary and transplant imaging and interventions.
Moreover, he completed a six-month Neuro-Interventional Fellowship (FINR) at the famous University of Zurich, where he received specialized training from Professor Anton Valavanis in the endovascular management of stroke and aneurysm.https://cvicvascular.com/
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Care CHL
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