Chemotherapy embolization, or chemoembolization, is a procedure utilizing a catheter to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor while cutting the blood supply to it. The procedure, most commonly used to treat liver tumors, allows doctors to use higher doses of drugs to eradicate the tumor without inducing serious unwanted side effects that accompany traditional chemotherapy. Although the normal chemotherapy side effects are avoided or are mild, chemotherapy embolization does have risks of other side effects associated with it.
Post-Embolization Syndrome
The most common side effect of chemotherapy embolization is post-embolization syndrome. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, pain, fever and malaise. The pain is likely due to the fact that the blood supply to the area of the tumor is cut off and will usually last from 2 to 3 days to up to 2 weeks according to the South Texas Radiology Group. It is common to feel these flu-like symptoms for up to a few weeks after the procedure.
Infection
Any procedure requiring penetration of the skin has a risk of infection. Chemotherapy embolization has an added risk of infection because a catheter must be inserted into a blood vessel, which can introduce infection to the body.
As the chemotherapy begins to work on the tumor, causing the death of cells and tissues, this cell debris can collect together and form small areas of localized infection known as an abscess. An abscess may require a drainage tube to be inserted to drain the infection.
Allergic Reaction
The chemotherapy embolization procedure requires an arteriogram, also called an angiogram. An arteriogram uses radiographic dye that is inserted into the blood vessels to be able to see inside the vessels. This is necessary so the doctors can guide the catheter through the vessels to the liver to deliver the chemotherapy agents.
There is a risk of allergic reaction to the contrast material used in this procedure. The risk of allergic reaction is small, but those with an allergy to iodine or shellfish may have an increased risk, so they should alert their doctors to their allergy.
Non-Target Embolization
There is a risk that the embolization particles meant for the liver could be delivered to the wrong area and end up in or near another organ such as the gallbladder, stomach, intestine or pancreas. If this occurs, the blood supply to the affected organ can be reduced causing pain, tissue death or loss of function. This side effect can be serious, and hospitalization is required.
Chemotherapy Effects
Although the chemotherapy is delivered directly to the tumor and the blood supply is cut off to reduce the amount of drug that can enter the blood stream, there is still some risk of developing the normal side effects of chemotherapy. This includes hair loss and a reduction in blood cells, resulting in anemia or infections and nausea. These side effects will generally be very mild according to the information provided by Radiology Info.
