Cancer experts at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center began implanting hepatic artery infusion pumps in patients in June — its first targeted liver tumor treatment pumps in patients.
The Intera 3000 Pump enables leading-edge hepatic artery infusion, or HAI, therapy for the treatment of cancers within the liver, including; intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC, bile duct cancer) and colorectal cancer liver metastases, without the negative side effects seen with systemic chemotherapy.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the second New Jersey hospital to provide the HAI pump, which is offered at few hospitals in the country, enabling the community to stay close to home for care.
A team of surgical experts led by Dr. Gregory Tiesi began implanting hepatic artery infusion pumps in patients at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in June.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women each year in the U.S., excluding skin cancer. The liver is the most frequent site of metastatic disease, with at least 25% of patients developing colorectal liver metastases during the course of their illness. IHCC is the second most common primary cancer of the liver.
“This state-of-the-art technology provides a highly pinpointed and concentrated treatment option for patients with two conditions: advanced primary liver cancers like IHCC, which have a poor prognosis and are hard to treat, and colorectal cancer liver metastases,” Tiesi said. “HAI therapy is associated with a higher likelihood of tumor shrinkage, a better chance of tumor removal, reduced risk of the cancer coming back and improved survival. What is equally important is that since the treatment is directed specifically to the liver, patients do not experience the negative side effects or toxicities that accompany chemotherapy like when it is delivered through a vein to the whole body.”
The palm-sized pump is surgically implanted in the abdomen and designed to deliver a continuous flow of chemotherapy directly to the hepatic artery that feeds tumors in the liver. Individuals receiving HAI therapy continue their normal daily activities outside of a hospital with minimal disruption to their lives.
“With Dr. Tiesi’s leadership, I’m proud that we are among the first in New Jersey to provide the HAI pump, enabling our community to stay close to home to receive this type of advanced surgical care and cancer treatment,” Vito Buccellato, president and chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, said.
“This is a great example of Jersey Shore’s leadership in providing leading-edge cancer treatment in Monmouth and Ocean counties,” Dr. Kenneth Sable, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health, said. “And another great milestone of innovative cancer care the academic medical center is offering our community.”
