Percutaneous hepatic arterial chemotherapy and chemoembolization

Percutaneous hepatic arterial chemotherapy and chemoembolization are treatment options for patients who have been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinomas or with metastatic carcinomas of the liver. Nursing care of these patients is challenging and complex. Patients present with varying symptoms of the disease, and progression requires varying degrees of intervention. Some patients may have already had systemic chemotherapy, and others may be facing their first experience with chemotherapy. Patient and family education requires presentation of correct, thorough information on an ongoing basis. To care for these patients, the nurse must understand the techniques of chemoembolization and hepatic arterial chemotherapy administration. This article addresses the introduction of hepatic arterial chemotherapy through the process of chemoembolization, as well as the nursing management to be considered throughout the treatment.