Arterially Directed Therapies

Arterially directed therapies are a type of minimally invasive, interventional radiology procedure that targets tumours (cancers). This procedure delivers drugs to the tumour site and thus destroys cancer cells locally within the tumour. On the contrary, chemotherapy drugs are administered systemically (orally/Intravenous route) and thus result in excessive/systemic side effects. As a result, fewer side effects are noted in terms of surrounding healthy tissues. 

Advantages: 

• Arterially directed therapies deliver higher concentrations of chemotherapy drugs directly to the site of the tumour which allows for a more precise and effective treatment approach. 
• This enhances the effect of the drug at the tumour site and protects healthy tissues.
• As a result, ADTs can significantly reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. This helps improve the patient’s quality of life.
• This procedure is sometimes palliative for those patients whose cancer is too huge in size, inaccessible or located at a sensitive site, and those who are not eligible for conventional surgery. Thus it may reduce symptoms, and enhance  the overall quality of life.
• Prior to surgery or liver transplantation, ADTs can be employed to shrink tumours, making surgical procedures safer and more effective.
• For certain cancers, especially liver tumours, therapy like Radiofrequency ablation, can be used as the primary treatment, providing excellent control of the tumour and possibilities for a cure. 

Who is the candidate for these treatments?
The use of ADTs is dependent on several factors, such as the type and location of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their suitability for other treatment options. Contact your treating doctor/Interventional Radiologist

What diseases are treated through arterially directed therapies?
Although ADTs (arterial-directed therapies) have potential benefits for various types of cancers, they are mostly used for treating liver tumours. However, they can also be used in the treatment of other forms of cancer (malignant tumours) as well as some benign tumours as mentioned below.

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): HCC is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and ADTs are a crucial part of its treatment, especially for patients who are not eligible for surgery or liver transplantation.
• Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: ADTs can also be used for both primary and recurrent cholangiocarcinoma, which is a cancer that arises from the bile ducts within the liver.
• Renal Cancer: ADTs help in shrinking renal cancers prior to surgery which eases the complexity of the procedure. They also help control tumour growth when in an advanced stage. 
• Neuroendocrine tumours: These tumours are typically slow-growing and have a high blood supply, which makes them a promising target for ADTs.
• Thyroid nodules: Ablation is done
• Benign Prostatic hyperplasia: BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and is the most common benign tumor found in men. Transarterial Embolisation procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist (IR), to treat  BPH without surgery.
• Uterine fibroid: It is quite common, benign growth in uterus. For carefully selected patients, IR provides non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids

Who are the ideal candidates for this procedure?
The ideal candidates who can undergo these therapies are those:

•  Patients who need an alternative to liver transplant
•  Patients who are expected to live a prolonged life with improved quality
•  Patients who are not eligible for radical surgery
•  Patients who want to seek healthcare in terms of minimally invasive procedures with short recovery times and fewer side effects as compared to surgery. 
•  In patients who need a reduction in the size of the tumour, relief in symptoms and in cases where it is possible to cure cancer. 

The expertise of Action Cancer Hospital in arterially directed therapies
Patients visit Action Cancer Hospital for the trust they have in our healthcare providers, who are dedicated to providing outstanding oncology care. Cancer affects not only one part of the body but every aspect of a person's life. And hence, we’re here to help you throughout your journey. We develop personalised treatment plans that combine advanced conventional treatments with supportive complementary medicine therapies. 

Our expert team provides cutting-edge and compassionate treatment for cancer care. We understand the difficulties that cancer patient’s face, which is why we offer a variety of cancer support programs and other services to help patients, families, and friends cope with the overwhelming challenges that come with cancer.