Chemoembolization is the combination of drugs injected into the liver (chemotherapy) with a blockage of the blood that supplies the tumor (an embolization). This technique does not require opening the abdomen since the product is delivered to the liver through a blood vessel.
Chemoembolization is intended to slow the progression of the tumor. It is recommended for cancer cases where surgery is not possible. It is also sometimes put in place while waiting for a liver transplant.