Metastatic colon cancer poses several difficulties when it invades the liver, making the use of more sophisticated and focused treatment strategies necessary.
Out of all these approaches, HAI therapy has been the most revolutionary. This procedure administers chemotherapy directly to the liver, ensuring increased effectiveness while simultaneously decreasing the negative effects on other body parts.
This blog will explore the mechanisms associated with HAI therapy, its role in controlling the outcomes of colon cancer liver metastases as well as its application in improving patient outcomes. See how this targeted therapy is changing the dynamic in which physicians manage complicated situations and providing promising solutions in the management of colon cancer.
What Is Hepatic Artery Infusion Therapy in Colon Cancer?
Hepatic Artery Infusion also termed as HAI therapy is a therapy that directly targets liver cancer in patients suffering from colon cancer. HAI therapy involves targeting the hepatic artery and injecting chemotherapy meta drugs directly into the blood vessels located in the liver, providing direct cancer treatment access. Because of the nature of this cancer, the liver becomes a very common cancer spreading site, therefore tailoring efforts to treat cancer in the colon and liver area is common.
Due to this method not only are the side effects reduced due to exposure limitation but the rate of survival for patients is increased as the liver is exposed to higher concentrations of chemotherapy. A pump is usually implanted before hand during surgery to ensure an uncontrolled blood flow rate in the targeted area. This targeted approach, alongside the use of systemic chemotherapy, provides an ideal solution to controlling the liver metastases that occur due to colon cancer.
How HAI Therapy is Revolutionizing Colon Cancer Treatment?
Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) therapy is changing how doctors approach the treatment of colon cancer patients with liver metastasis.
With the traditional mixed chemotherapy systemic approach, the chances of affecting the entire body limits the amount of medication that can be given because of the potential side effects that can occur.
However, HAI therapy drastically changes this mix effort approach to the liver and only sends chemotherapy to the hepatic artery which supplies the blood for the liver tumors removing the system risk.
With the ability to include vasoconstriction, this therapy dramatically increases the amount of medication supplied to the target, liver, cancer, allowing for a higher chance of regentai increases, rather than metastasis.
As the systemic coverage is reduced, the side effects felt by the patients are lowered, allowing for an improvement in the patient's life quality.
Colon cancer advanced patients survival rates are also bettered by HAI therapy being combined with other therapies or even chemotherapy.
HAI application is transforming the treatment opportunists for liver metastases providing focuses therapy and promising the future of the colon cancer patients free of any chemo treatment.
What is the Survival Rate for Hepatic Artery Infusion Therapy?
Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) therapy has been effective in increasing the survival of patients with colon cancer that have spread to the liver. Allocative studies have indicated that there is a clear survival benefit for patients undergoing HAI therapy as compared to standard care. In one of the studies done, the two year survival was 86% in patients who received HAI therapy while it was 72% in patients who did not receive HAI therapy (P ≤ 0.03).
Also, a median survival increase of 13 month was reported among the patients in HAI therapy. Though this improvement was not statistically significant, the results are pertinent in demonstrating, increments in the quality of life of patients under HAI therapy. The evidence presented supports the hypothesis that HAI therapy is one of the optimal ways of treating patients with liver metastases because it increases the chances of patients suffering from late stage of colon cancer.
How Is Hepatic Artery Infusion Therapy Administered?
HAI aims for the liver metastasises mainly while trying to reduce all possible adverse effects. While it seems simple, this entire process involves a lot of medical technology as well as surgical processes being combined together:-
Surgical Implantation of the Pump
This treatment generally begins by surgically placing an infusion pump in the abdomen in a patient, this pump is then connected to a catheter attached to the hepatic artery which is the main blood vessel attached to supplying the liver, this allows the pump to transfer the chemotherapy infusion directly to the patients liver.
Controlled Delivery of Chemotherapy
There are a set of intervals at which the chemotherapy drugs filled in a pump are administered so a steady rate can be maintained when the pump is in place. This way they can limit the exposure the rest of the patients body receives but even while doing this, high drug concentration can still be ensured at the tumor site. This method also allows the pumps to be refilled during follow up visits making the entire operation easy and efficient.
Monitoring and Maintenance
The medical staff continuously observes the patient's liver conditions and the treatment pump in this case. There are regular blood tests and imaging carried out to make sure that there are no complications and that the treatment is doing its job well.
High Activity Intra-Arterial Therapy can be combined with systemic chemotherapy or different treatment methods to enhance its effect. It is a new way of treatment for liver metastases in patients with colon cancer because of its local nature and highly effective targeting system.
Talk To The Expert: Dr Pooja Babbar
With over a decade of experience, Dr. Pooja Babbar has earned a reputation as a highly skilled medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of colon cancer. Her proficiency in advanced therapies, including precision oncology, has enabled her to deliver outstanding outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Babbar is deeply committed to providing comprehensive care, combining cutting-edge treatments with an empathetic approach to ensure her patients feel supported throughout their journey. Her dedication to staying updated with the latest medical advancements ensures that every patient benefits from the most effective and personalized care plans.
If you or your loved ones are facing a colon cancer diagnosis, Dr. Pooja Babbar and her team are here to guide you with expertise and compassion. Whether you are seeking advanced treatment options or a second opinion, reach out to us today. Take the first step towards better health and a brighter future—contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
