What is Chemoembolization?

Chemoembolization is a way of delivering cancer treatment directly to a tumor.  The liver is the most common part of the body for chemoembolization to be used.  Under x-ray guidance, a small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin.  Chemotherapy is injected through the catheter into the tumor and mixed with particles that embolize or block the flow of blood to the tumor.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Chemoembolization is most beneficial to patients whose disease is limited to the liver, whether the tumor began in the liver or spread to it (metastasized) from another organ.  Depending on the number and type of tumors, chemoembolization may be used as the sole treatment or may be combined with other treatment options such as surgery or radiation.  Chemoembolization can be repeated several times over the course of treatment.

How should I prepare?

Several days before the procedure, you will have a consultation with the physician who will be performing the procedure - an interventional radiologist.  An interventional radiologist is a physician with special training in minimally-invasive procedures using image guidance.  You will be admitted to the hospital the morning of the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Prior to the procedure, you will be given additional medications to prevent nausea and pain, and antibiotics to prevent infection.  An intravenous (IV) line will be started and you will receive intravenous fluids.

The first step is to obtain x-ray pictures showing the arteries to the liver and the tumor by performing angiography.  A sedative will be injected through the IV line to relax you.  The radiologist will numb an area of the groin with a local anesthetic.  A thin catheter is introduced through a very small incision into the femoral artery, and guided by TV monitoring, into the arteries feeding the liver.  Then contrast material is injected and a series of x-rays are taken.  The catheter is then guided into the branches feeding the tumor and the chemoembolic material is injected. 

At the end of the procedure, the interventional radiologist removes the catheter and pressure will be applied to the groin area for a short time to prevent bleeding from the site of catheter insertion. 

You can expect to stay in bed for six to eight hours afterward.  You will be admitted to the hospital overnight for observation.

Will I be asleep for the procedure?

The sedative will make you feel relaxed and sleepy.  You may nod off for brief periods, but generally you will remain awake throughout the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

Typically, the procedure takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

What do I do after the procedure?

You will be sent home with prescriptions for oral antibiotics, pain medicine, and medicine for nausea.  Pain is the most common side effect and occurs because the blood supply to the treated area is cut off.  It can readily be controlled by oral or intravenous medication.  Most patients leave the hospital within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure, after their pain and nausea have subsided.  In general, these are all signs of normal recuperation.  Most patients can resume their normal activities within a week.

You will also be scheduled for follow-up visits so your healthcare provider can monitor your progress with blood tests and imaging techniques, such as x-rays, CT or MRI scans. The interventional radiologist will work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure that you receive the best possible care.

For more information, please call our nurse clinician at the Minnesota Vascular Clinic at 952-345-4179.