Radioembolization for liver cancer

Liver chemoembolization is a complex medical process consisting of two main steps: angiography and a specialized radiation medicine scan, each of which takes approximately 2-3 hours. Typically, after completing these steps, patients are free from radiation exposure within 4-6 hours. In most cases, a one-day hospital stay is sufficient, and sometimes patients leave the hospital on the day of the procedure.

In the process of liver embolization chemistry, local anesthesia is usually used. At this point, patients lie on their backs, remaining motionless throughout the procedure. Pain levels are monitored to ensure patient comfort. After the procedure, serious complications occur extremely rarely, due to which recovery is quick: usually within 1-2 days, patients return to normal life. However, symptoms of fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea may occur in the first two weeks, which are controlled with standard medications. It is worth noting that the side effects differ significantly from those that occur with systemic chemotherapy.

Patients after chemoembolization can safely communicate with other people and use public transport, since the level of radiation after the procedure is minimal and does not pose a threat to others. It is still recommended to follow standard hygiene rules.

In certain cases, a temporary break from chemotherapy for several weeks may be necessary, which should be discussed with your doctor in advance. Sometimes radioembolization is performed in combination with chemotherapy.

The liver embolization procedure helps to reduce the volume of tumor formations, which in some cases opens the way for subsequent surgical intervention.

Preparation and criteria for deciding on radioembolization in the case of liver metastases begin with a thorough review of the patient's medical history. This process includes:

• Diagnostic image of a liver tumor.
• Conducting laboratory tests.
• Analysis of the general physical condition of the patient.
• Evaluation of current treatment.

In general, patients with extensive liver disease or advanced disease are not considered suitable candidates for this procedure.

The decision to use radioembolization in the treatment of liver metastases is the result of the joint work of an interdisciplinary group of oncology specialists. This procedure is performed by an experienced interventional radiologist with appropriate qualifications (eg CIRSE accreditation), while a radiation medicine expert plays a key role in determining safe levels of radiation exposure.

Before the procedure for removing metastases in the liver, you must:

• Consult a qualified interventional radiologist.
• Provide a complete medical history and information about any medications you are taking, including natural supplements.
• Indicate the presence of allergic reactions.
• You may need to temporarily stop taking some medications, such as anticoagulants.
• Fast 6-8 hours before the procedure.

Important! Women should tell their doctor if they are pregnant before treatment.

During the rehabilitation period after chemoembolization, the patient is prescribed to donate blood for laboratory tests at the end of the second and fourth weeks. The obtained test data is transmitted to the treating doctor. You are also scheduled to see your doctor for a check-up at the end of the fourth week. Three months after the procedure, the patient will be re-evaluated, including scans and blood tests, to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and overall health. Depending on the indication, regular X-ray examinations may be ordered every 3, 6 or 12 months to monitor progress.

Potential risks of liver chemoembolization include:

• Complications associated with angiography, such as bleeding in the groin area, blood clots, risk of infection.
• Possible side effects include gastrointestinal ulcers, pancreas problems, pneumonia, liver abscess or liver failure.
• The need for hospitalization in case of complications rarely occurs due to the qualifications of interventional radiologists.

It should be noted that radioembolization can be repeated in accordance with medical indications, especially if both lobes of the liver are affected. The chemoembolization procedure is a significant element in the complex treatment of liver cancer, effectively combined with other treatment methods, including surgery and standard chemotherapy.