Conditions Treated With HAI
Colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver
Colorectal cancer is one of the three most common cancers, affecting nearly 150,000 people in the United States each year. Tumors first form in the inner lining of the colon or the rectum (parts of the digestive system). As with many cancers, if the tumors have spread beyond the colon where they originated, patient treatment can become more complex and challenging. The main location of spread of CRC tumor cells is to the liver 2.
For people whose colorectal cancer has spread to the liver but cannot be surgically removed, Hepatic Artery Infusion therapy may be used to prevent the tumors from growing and can sometimes shrink the tumors to the point that they can be surgically removed or disappear altogether.
For patients who have had their colorectal cancer surgically removed from the liver, clusters of cancerous cells too small for a surgeon to see may remain. Doctors may use HAI therapy after surgery (in an “adjuvant setting” or in addition to surgery) to treat these cells before they can grow into tumors.
Bile duct cancer within the liver
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that occurs in the bile ducts within the liver, impacting about 5,000 in the United States each year 3.
Hepatic Artery Infusion therapy may be used to treat people with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma to prevent further spread of cancerous cells within the liver. In some cases, HAI therapy may assist with shrinking the tumors to the point where they can be surgically removed.
The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for your individual situation.