Anyone chemo-embolization to liver??

jml · 05-15-2010, 08:54 AM

Hi All~

Yet another shift of the gears in this bumpy search for treatment options.
I met with an Interventional Radiologist last week to talk about SIR-Spheres -liver directed therapy with radioactive pellets - was all prepared to have the preliminary shunt study and the procedure to follow. But he called me yesterday and said that after speaking with my onc, they've decided that chemo embolization, using adriamyacin, would be the better option for me.
Since I was diagnosed with Stage IV -liver mets- at my primary diagnosis, I never did Adria. We jumped right to Herceptin + Navelbine, then ultimately Taxol, and since then just about every other drug...
So since I've never been exposed to Adria, they think I may respond really well. God I hope so. And in order to qualify for the the TDM1 Expanded Use program, you have to have had Adria.
The plan is to continue on a 3 week cycle of Ixempra/Herceptin, then on my off week do the chemo-embo with Adriamycin. They're not concerned about cardiotoxicity, so I guess I'll just trust them on that.

I don't know how I feel about all of this. Just trying to hang on for the ride as I get yanked in different directions.

Any feedback from anyone who's had chemo-embo would be so appreciated.

Keeping the Faith~

Jessica

fullofbeans · 05-15-2010, 07:52 PM

Hi Jessica, I had chemo embolisation with adriamicin (every months X 3 times) and concomitant taxotere systemic chemo (dose dense), then laser treatments. all details in my signature.

It was my first line treatment (so was in good physical state) and (touch wood) so far so good. I felt ok after chemo embo treatment, but I know some people felt a bit rough, but I was really fine.

Best wishes

Rich66 · 05-15-2010, 10:26 PM

Interesting path. Keeps spheres option for later, if needed and moves TDM1 option up earlier. All while not giving up the systemic treatment. I can't remember the ins and outs of TOPO issue of Her2 and Adria sensitivity...or whether the issue is relevant to chemo-embo. Anyone else?
How is the Ixempra treating you?

Pam P · 05-16-2010, 04:40 AM

Jessica - I'm glad the onc has offered yet another option for your arsenal. Like Rich said it also opens up other future options. I know nothing about the procedure/treatment so have no help for you there - but fullobeans post is very encouraging so I'm going with that! I'm holding good thoughts that this route will put an end to those liver mets. Pam

fullofbeans · 05-16-2010, 02:46 PM

Rich I did not research the adria on her2 or indeed on any breast cancer cells. It was my radiologist choice for that procedure for BC at least. But for sure it is a powerful treatment since it can be applied locally with quite minimal effect (relatively speaking). For me its effect was excellent on still relatively well differentiated cancer cell (almost 1st line of treatment) and expected synergy with systemic chemo. If you never had adria jml it is much more likely to work too especially directly placed on tumours, so all the best with this new door.

hugs

PatE · 05-16-2010, 05:56 PM

Hi,
I had a small lesion on my liver that was treated with Cyberknife radiosurgery. That was August 2008, all clear in my liver. It was the easiest treatment I've had since all this started. Three treatments, never felt a thing.
I had to stop taking Herceptin due to low EF, I was off for four months and got a small lesion on my spine (L2). I decided to treat with the Cyberknife again, it is effective and painless. No side effects. Resumed Herceptin weekly instead of 3 weely doses, seemed to do the trick for me. All is well and I feel good.
Pat
Best of luck to you.

jml · 05-18-2010, 09:42 AM

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.
And thanks so much, fullofbeans, for your feedback
I met with my onc yesterday to talk about the procedure.
Right now, I'm doing 3 more rounds of Ixempra/Herceptin, then will do the chemoembo w/Adria during my "off" week.
I asked about the potential cardiotoxicity of the Adria & Herceptin done so closely, but she said that since the Adria is local therapy, and a fairly small dose, it shouldn't cause a problem.
I don't know how many times we'll repeat this regimen, before we scan again, but I'll meet with the IR as the date gets closer.
June 8 is the target date for the chemo-embo.
Keeping fingers crossed that plans don't change again.
Just want to get my poor liver treated as soon as possible.

Thanks again, everyone.

Jml