Locations & Hours | Radiology Services & Procedures | Insurance Info | Policies & Payments Chemoembolization for Liver Tumors by Edward Priest, M.D. Chemoembolization is a treatment for liver cancer in which tiny beads containing chemotherapy are injected directly into the artery to the liver. The beads go to the cancerous tumors. The chemotherapy is then released slowly from the beads, bathing the tumors in concentrated chemotherapy for up to two weeks. Such intense chemotherapy can cause improvement or even complete disappearance of these tumors. The liver is a common site for malignant tumors. These tumors may originate from the liver itself (hepatoma and hepatocellular carcinoma) or come to the liver from cancer at other sites (particularly colon cancer). Liver cancer was previously treatable only by surgery or intravenous chemotherapy. However, only a few patients qualify for such a major surgery and some tumors of the liver do not respond to intravenous chemotherapy. The chemoembolization injection procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist. This doctor inserts a tiny plastic catheter or tube into the artery to the right leg, and then directs the tube into the artery to the liver with x-ray television. Once in place, the beads are injected and the catheter is removed. The chemoembolization procedure is done under “twilight” anesthesia. After completion, patients typically remain in the hospital for 2-3 days for monitoring and pain control. Most patients resume a normal lifestyle within one week. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Edward Priest, regarding chemoembolization, call (615) 312-0128 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). http://www.edwardpriestmd.com