Hepatic Artery Infusion Therapy for Colorectal Cancer that has Spread to the Liver
Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) therapy is a treatment that delivers medicine continuously and directly to tumors in the liver, using an FDA-approved implantable pump. HAI therapy is used for patients living with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.
Is HAI therapy right for me?
How does the pump work?
The Intera 3000 HAI Pump is surgically implanted under the skin in the abdomen. The pump is activated by body heat, sending medicine from the pump through a catheter connected to the hepatic artery and into the liver
What is the goal of HAI therapy?
Clinical studies have shown that HAI therapy may reduce the size of tumors in the liver, improve disease control in the liver, increase chances of liver resection, prevent recurrence, and improve chances of survival.1,2,3,4, 5, 6
How does HAI compare to systemic chemotherapy?
Because the HAI pump connects directly to the liver, the treatment does not need to go through the rest of the body to reach the liver. Unlike systemic chemotherapy, HAI therapy limits potential side effects throughout the body.
Hepatic Artery Infusion: Learn how it works
Resources
Patient-Doctor Conversation Guide
You can provide this overview of HAI therapy to your primary medical oncologist.
What to Ask an HAI Provider
You can use these questions as a guide for your first appointment with an HAI provider.
Webinar: Colorectal Liver Metastases: HAI Therapy and Exploring Your Options
This webinar, hosted by Lindsey Glaspell from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and featuring Dr. Nicholas Hornstein, a Medical Oncologist at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, focused on hepatic artery infusion therapy (HAI) as a treatment option for colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Dr. Hornstein presented an overview of HAI therapy, explaining how it delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver through a surgically implanted pump.
See Additional Patient Resources
Where can I find an HAI provider?
There are numerous HAI centers across the United States, with more locations opening around the country.
- To learn about an HAI provider near you, fill out this simple form.
- A Patient Educator at Boston Scientific, the pump’s manufacturer, will contact you to provide direct information about HAI therapy and help you find an HAI provider.
Patient Testimonials
Read stories of survivors living with the HAI pump.
HAI therapy proves pivotal for pioneering patient
Facing stage IV rectal cancer that had spread extensively to her liver, Helen D. refused to accept that lifelong chemotherapy was her only option. By advocating for hepatic artery infusion therapy — and becoming her hospital’s first HAI pump patient — she helped pioneer a new treatment program and changed the trajectory of her cancer journey. Read more about Helen's story.
Hope Brooks: HAI Liver Pump for mCRC Offers Second Chances
Hope Brooks is the vision of health. She exercises daily, teaches core power yoga, and participates in other healthy habits. Weeks after her 50th birthday, a chain of events led to a devastating stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis, and Hope researched her condition to look for options. Read more about Hope's story.
Don Shippey: From Stage IV to Six Years Cancer-Free After Receiving HAI Pump
Don Shippey was 55 years old in 2016 when he decided he’d been putting off his colonoscopy long enough. After a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis, Don was determined to search for alternative answers.
Thomas: A New Trajectory with HAI Therapy
Diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer at age 36, Thomas was given months to live. After receiving a second opinion and an HAI pump, his trajectory changed.
Marsha: Being the CEO of Her Own Treatment
After Marsha learned her colorectal cancer had spread to her liver, she found out about HAI therapy and sought a second opinion to decide on next steps.
1. Kemeny N et al. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(27):2039-48.
2. Dhir M et al. Ann Surg Oncol. 2017;24(1):150-158.
3. Groot Koerkamp B et al. J Clin Oncol. 2017;35(17):1938-1944.
4. Pak L et al. J Surg Oncol. 2018;117(4):634-643.
5. Holster J et al. Ann Surg Oncol. 2022;29(9):5528-5538.
6. Franssen S et al. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024;31(1):115-124.
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult with an HAI provider to determine your specific treatment plan and talk about the potential risks and benefits of the device. Individual results may vary.
The Intera 3000 Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump is used to deliver medications such as chemotherapy to the blood vessels in the liver. With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure to place the pump in your abdomen and with the use of the pump to deliver medications. The risks associated with placement and use of the pump include but are not limited to bleeding, blood clots, blockage within the device, damage to the blood vessels, fluid or blood build-up around the device under the skin, infection, movement or displacement of the pump or catheter, pump damage, and leakage or incorrect delivery of the medications. Special care may be required after placement of the Intera 3000 Pump and includes but is not limited to avoiding rough physical activity, avoiding deep sea or scuba diving, avoiding saunas, avoiding long periods in hot tubs and avoiding direct sun exposure, heating pads or hot water bottles over the area of your abdomen where the pump is placed. Additional care may be needed for air travel, moving to or visiting a high-altitude place, or if you have a fever. The Intera 3000 Pump is MRI Conditional, which means that certain conditions must be met to safely have an MRI after placement of the pump. Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the use of the device. PI-2257307-AA.
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