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Treatment options for patients whose cancer has spread to the liver

Doctors at Fox Chase Cancer Center may still be able to cure colorectal cancer, even after it has spread to other organs, most commonly the liver. Physicians work together to accomplish this goal through a comprehensive program that includes liver surgeons, Dr John P Hoffman and Dr James C Watson, and medical oncologists whose goal is to increase survival rates among their patients.

Liver Resection Surgery

Patients who are eligible for surgical removal (resection) of their liver tumors, have access to the nation's leading surgeons at Fox Chase who have vast experience with this procedure. This technique offers patients the greatest chance of cure.

For patients with unresectable liver tumors, surgical treatment options include, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization and insertion of hepatic arterial infusion pumps.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors

Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat patients with liver tumors that are unresectable (unable to be surgically removed). In the procedure, doctors insert a thin electrode (or needle) into the center of the tumor, using a CAT scan or ultrasound to accurately guide the needle. The electrode is connected to a generator and as the electric current passes from the electrode tip to a grounding pad, the tumor is destroyed through heat. One month later, a CAT scan is used to determine if the procedure was successful. Repeat treatments can be given until the tumor is eliminated.

Targeted Radiotherapy with SIR-Spheres

SIR-Spheres. are radio-active micro-spheres that are implanted. They travel through the blood stream to deliver radioactive substances to tumors within the liver. The SIR-Spheres. are then trapped in the small blood vessels of the tumour. SIR-Spheres. can target tumors of the liver, regardless of their location. Once they reach the tumour, SIR-Spheres. irradiate it through a process called Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT). This process destroys the tumor, while preserving healthy nearby tissue.

Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump

Patients who are not candidates for surgery may receive a hepatic artery infusion pump, to deliver chemotherapy directly into the liver. Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) is chemotherapy that is injected directly into the hepatic artery (supplying blood to the liver) through a catheter, which has been inserted surgically. With this procedure, doctors can deliver higher doses of anti-cancer therapy directly to the cancer cells in the liver, while avoiding the side effects of traditional chemotherapy. This technique may also be recommended after successful surgical removal of liver metastases to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Chemoembolization

Blood flow to tumors provides oxygen needed for the cells to survive. By stopping the blood flow to a tumor, tumor cells cannot survive. Chemoembolization is a procedure in which doctors inject a chemotherapy substance into the tumor to stop blood flow, which results in tumor cell death. The blood flow blockage may be temporary or permanent, depending on the materials used. This procedure may be beneficial to some patients with unresectable liver tumors.

For more information about gastrointestinal cancer treatment and prevention at Fox Chase Cancer Center or to make an appointment, call 1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).