NBC 4 introduces us to transarterial chemoembolization, often referred to as "chemo beads", a minimally invasive procedure that injects chemotherapy drugs directly into a blood vessel feeding a cancerous tumor. Doctors say it is more effective with fewer chemotherapy side effects.
“Chemo beads” are little beads that deliver cancer-killing drugs to areas of the body that doctors weren’t able to reach before. This was the treatment recommended for Linda Gable, after a tumor on her liver was discovered.
NBC 4’s Ellie Merritt sat in as Dr. Brian Schirf performed Linda’s “chemo bead” procedure at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. During the procedure, tiny beads were mixed with chemotherapy drugs and then injected into the artery feeding the tumor.
“So, we tend to get a high concentration of the beads and the chemotherapy in the tumor, and not necessarily within the normal liver,” explained Dr. Schirf.
This aggressive, yet minimally-invasive approach was good one for Linda. According to Dr. Schirf, her results after the surgery have been looking good. The rest of her liver was spared, while the area around the tumor was destroyed by the drugs.
Currently, not many people know about this form of cancer treatment, but is gaining steam. The concentrated drug delivery also causes fewer side effects.
In Linda’s case, she did not experience hair loss, and while she still experienced tiredness, she was able to return to work within five days of her procedure.
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