Embolization Method

Along with advancements in cancer treatments, Interventional Radiology, which is the therapeutic branch of radiology, is also advancing rapidly.

With the developments in cancer treatments, Interventional Radiology, the therapeutic branch of radiology, is progressing quickly. With new advancements, Interventional Radiology has now become a distinct specialty that falls under the category of minimally invasive surgical methods. Radioembolization treatment proves this and effectively prevents tumor growth. Dr. Murat Dökdök, a specialist in Interventional Radiology at Anadolu Health Center, emphasizes that this treatment method extends patients' lifespans and shares interesting information in this article.

Embolization: The Liver is Spotless with It!

Embolization actually means "the blockage of a vessel." It is one of the treatment methods used in interventional radiology and is a procedure that targets the relevant organ through the vessel using an angiographic approach to destroy tumors. This method can be applied to many cancerous organs, but currently, the liver is the organ with the best-documented effects of these treatments. The liver, being the most critical organ and the area where various types of cancer most frequently metastasize, is not only targeted for metastases that spread to it but also for tumors originating directly from liver tissue. This method can also be applied in cases of tumors outside the liver, such as lung tumors and kidney tumors, as well as in hemorrhagic conditions caused by various tumors.

How is Embolization Performed?

In the embolization method, which is an angiographic procedure, a catheter (a small tube) is inserted either through the groin or sometimes through the arm to reach the blood vessels of the relevant organ and subsequently the diseased vessels within that organ. Then, occlusive substances are administered into the diseased vessels through these catheters. This procedure takes about an hour, although it may vary depending on the patient’s condition. Generally, surgical removal of the tumor in liver cancers can extend the patient’s life; however, if the tumor's size, location, or the patient’s condition hinders surgery, embolization treatments can be utilized.

What is Radioembolization?

In radioembolization, which is performed under angiographic guidance like other embolization treatments, radioactive isotopes are loaded into microbeads (small particles emitting radiation) that are delivered to the tumor's vascular bed. In a sense, we can say that 'radiotherapy' is applied from within the body. The benefit of this method, compared to external radiotherapy, is that it allows a high dose of radiation to be applied directly to a limited area of the liver without damaging surrounding tissues. Moreover, this treatment does not require hospitalization for the patient.

New Methods in Embolization

One of the major health issues in society is benign uterine tumors (fibroids) in women and prostate enlargement (prostatism) in men, and the application of embolization treatment for these conditions is becoming increasingly common. For instance, approximately one-third of women undergo hysterectomy surgery in their lifetime, with fibroids being the most common reason for this. Controlled studies conducted on fibroid treatment with embolization have shown that patients experience less pain and a higher rate of satisfaction with the procedure compared to surgery.

In metastases originating from the intestinal system that spread to the liver, about 30% of these patients have a metastatic finding at the time of diagnosis. Surgical removal of liver metastases extends the patient’s lifespan, but only 15-20% of patients are suitable for surgical resection of metastases from the liver. This means that 80-85% of patients are not candidates for surgical removal of liver metastases. At this point, embolization methods, which are termed minimally invasive surgery, come into play. In embolization treatments, tumor responses of up to 90% can be achieved. The goal here is to increase patients' life expectancy and consequently their quality of life.

Tumors Change Shape to Survive

Tumor cells, like viruses, can take on different forms every year. The initially emerging tumor cells can change shape while spreading throughout the body. In fact, tumor cells within the same tissue can have different genetic structures over time. This poses a challenge for treatment, and radioembolization serves as a strong and effective treatment method in this regard. The medical community is currently trying to understand this ability of tumors to change their shape.