Fact: Liver embolization is a treatment that blocks or reduces blood flow to tumors, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. Embolization treatments can be safely performed because the liver gets its blood supply from both the hepatic artery and a separate vein, called the portal vein.
Liver-Directed Therapies
REGIONAL LIVER-DIRECTED THERAPIES THAT AFFECT THE ENTIRE LIVER INCLUDE:
Immunoembolization Immunotherapy drugs called cytokines are injected into the hepatic arteries (the arteries that supply the liver). This is combined with embolization of the hepatic artery. Embolization blocks off the blood supply to the tumors using injections into the arteries. The goal is to induce an inflammatory response in the tumor. This process may also stimulate the immune system outside the liver, which could help suppress tumor growth in other areas of the body. Immunoembolization is typically performed at specialized centers and may be available only through clinical trials. Chemoembolization (TACE) A chemotherapy drug is injected into the hepatic arteries. In addition, an agent is used to block off blood supply to tumors. The chemotherapy drugs that are used can vary. Radioembolization Small beads, embedded with a radioactive material, are injected into the hepatic arteries. These microspheres emit high doses of radiation to the tumor cells to destroy them. This treatment is sometimes referred to as Y-90 radioembolization, SIR-Spheres or TheraSpheres. Tumors preferentially get their blood supply from the artery, and the healthy liver from the vein. That is why the blood supply can be cut off through the hepatic artery and not cause significant damage to the healthy liver.
HEPZATO KIT (melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System (HDS) ) HDS is a liver-directed treatment for adult patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) with unresectable hepatic metastases affecting less than 50% of the liver and no extrahepatic disease, or extrahepatic disease limited to the bone, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues or lung that is amenable to resection or radiation. Approved by the FDA in August 2023, HEPZATO KIT is the first liver-directed therapy specifically approved for metastatic uveal melanoma. HEPZATO KIT involves closed circuit perfusion of the liver with high doses of a chemotherapy called melphalan. The procedure is a bit more complex than the other liver-directed therapies and requires close monitoring especially of blood counts.
These treatments may be used in conjunction with other treatments.
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