Chemoembolization

Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer that can be used when there is too much tumor in the liver to treat with conventional treatments. Chemoembolization delivers the chemotherapy directly to the tumor while depriving the tumor of its blood supply by blocking the arteries feeding the tumor. Using image guidance, the Interventional Radiologist threads a tiny catheter into the femoral artery and into the blood vessels supplying the liver tumor(s). Chemoembolization usually involves a hospital stay of 2-4 days. Patients typically have lower than normal energy levels for about a month afterwards. Chemoembolization is a palliative, not a curative, treatment. It can be extremely effective in treating certain primary cancers, especially when combined with other therapies.

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