Isolation perfusion therapy is a medical procedure that involves localized treatment of a specific area of the body, typically an organ or a limb, in order to deliver high doses of chemotherapy or other medications directly to the affected region. This therapy is employed to treat certain types of cancer, particularly melanoma or sarcoma, which are difficult to manage using conventional treatment methods.
During isolation perfusion therapy, the affected area is temporarily separated or isolated from the rest of the body circulation by using various techniques, such as tourniquets or occlusion devices. This isolation helps to prevent the medication from spreading throughout the body and potentially causing systemic side effects. Instead, the high doses of medication can target the specific tumor or affected region, maximizing its effectiveness while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
The isolated organ or limb is typically bathed in a heated chemotherapy solution or other medications, which are circulated within the isolated area for a specific period of time. The perfusion can be performed using different techniques, including surgical isolations, such as limb perfusion or regional perfusion, or non-surgical isolations, like isolated hepatic perfusion.
Isolation perfusion therapy has shown promising outcomes in certain cases, offering an alternative treatment option when other therapies have failed. However, it is essential to carefully assess the risks and benefits associated with this procedure, as it is an invasive and complex treatment method that may have potential complications. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional with experience and expertise in this specific area to determine the appropriate course of action.
