UPMC Offers Innovative Treatment for Metastatic Liver Cancer

June 18, 2025

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC Central PA Surgical Oncology now offers a specialized treatment called hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pump therapy for patients living with either metastatic cancer to the liver or cancers arising in the liver.

Samer AlMasri, M.D., surgical oncologist, performed the first HAI pump procedure at UPMC West Shore in May, joined by his partner, Kyo Chu, M.D., director, UPMC Central PA Surgical Oncology. The patient has recovered well and is now receiving therapy through their newly installed pump.

In clinical studies, HAI therapy was capable of more precisely targeting liver tumors, which can improve both patient eligibility for curative-intent surgery, as well as their overall survival.

Liver cancer will affect more than 42,000 adults in the U.S. in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. More than 30,000 people will die from metastatic liver cancer, a cancer that originates in other parts of the body, particularly in the colon, and spreads to the liver. Metastatic liver cancer is more common than primary liver cancer.

“The HAI pump offers several significant advantages over existing treatment options for liver-dominant cancers, particularly metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver, and primary liver tumors,” said AlMasri. “These advantages stem primarily from its ability to deliver chemotherapy directly to the liver in high concentrations while minimizing the rest of the body’s exposure, resulting in less side effects. With liver cancers on the rise, we’re proud to offer a treatment that could lead to improved outcomes and a better quality of life for our patients.”

Compared to traditional chemotherapy delivered intravenously, HAI pumps provide a higher concentration of chemotherapy medications directly into liver tumors. As a result, there are reduced side effects, improved tumor response, and when delivered following surgery, a decreased risk of tumor recurrence. The HAI pump also delivers the medication continuously, which, according to Chu, is an improvement compared to other liver targeted therapies.

“Adding the HAI pump to our lineup of treatments for cancers that both originate in and spread to the liver not only has the potential to enhance patients’ quality of life, but it could also increase survival,” said Chu. “Through our collaboration with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we’re now able to deliver these leading-edge therapies to patients right here in our region.”

Chu and AlMasri are continuing to bring advanced surgical cancer care to residents at the new UPMC Central PA Surgical Oncology in Mechanicsburg. AlMasri, under the direction of Amer Zuriekat, M.D., chief of surgical oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Chu, performed the first robotic Whipple procedure for advanced pancreatic cancer in central Pennsylvania. Together they provide additional innovative treatments to patients in the region, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion, or HIPEC, for metastatic abdominal cancers.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chu or Dr. AlMasri, call 717-988-8451.

To learn more about surgery and cancer care in central Pennsylvania, visit UPMCHillman.com/CentralPA.