Intra-arterial chemotherapy is a chemotherapy method used to treat a variety of tumor types. Intra-arterial chemotherapy is most often associated with treating liver and pancreas tumors, but it can also be used to treat tumors in other areas of the body.

Significance

According to the Cleveland Clinic, intra-arterial chemotherapy delivers significant amounts of chemotherapy medication directly to the tumor area. Intra-arterial chemotherapy may be used to treat tumors in the pancreas, liver, neck, face, brain and head.

Function

Patients undergo arteriogram and brain scans to locate the primary artery delivering blood to the tumor. Once that artery is identified, medications are administered to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier. A catheter is inserted into the artery to transmit medications to the tumor.

Considerations

Patients may be treated with blood thinners before and during treatment to prevent seizure and stroke. According to UPMC, a health system based in Pittsburgh, the side effects and risks associated with intra-arterial chemotherapy are comparable to those of standard chemotherapy treatments.

Time Frame

After the intra-arterial chemotherapy procedure, expect to be taken to a recovery room to receive intravenous medication and fluids followed by medication to remove chemotherapy medications from your body. You will undergo 24 hours of observation to watch for neurological status changes.

Warnings

According to the Cleveland Clinic, patients undergoing intra-arterial chemotherapy should not take aspirin or aspirin products within 72 hours of the procedure. Intra-arterial patients should also avoid taking blood thinning pills such as dipyridamole or warfarin before the procedure.

Source:

UPMC: Intra-arterial chemotherapy

Cleveland Clinic: Intra-Arterial (IA) Chemotherapy