Chemoembolization

In chemoembolization, the physician guides a catheter through blood vessels to the tumor using image guidance. Once the catheter is in place, the physician injects the chemotherapy and embolic agents. The embolic agents block the blood vessels leading to the tumor, depriving it of blood flow. These agents increase the concentration and toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs, killing the tumors but sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. This means that you experience fewer side effects of chemotherapy, such as hair loss and nausea.

At Boston Medical Center, our highly skilled interventional radiologists can treat tumors using several techniques, including chemoembolization. Because it is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure, chemoembolization can minimize side effects, cause less pain, and allow quicker healing than open surgery.

To learn more about chemoembolization, click here.