Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump (HAIP) Chemotherapy Program

What we do

Our program is a first-in-Canada program for individuals where colon or bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) has spread to the liver and cannot be removed with surgery. The program involves a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach to care, with close collaboration across surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy), interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, and oncology nursing.

The Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump (HAIP) is a small, disc-shaped device that is surgically implanted just below the skin of the patient, and is connected via a catheter to the hepatic (main) artery of the liver. About 95 percent of the chemotherapy that is directed through this pump stays in the liver, sparing the rest of the body from side effects. 

Patients receive HAIP-directed chemotherapy in addition to regular intravenous (IV) chemotherapy (systemic chemotherapy), to reduce the number and size of tumours.

How can I get an appointment?

You can be referred to the clinic by your oncologist or surgeon. 

New patient referrals should be faxed to: 416-480-6179

Clinic location

We are located on the first floor of T-Wing.

Information for patients interested in this treatment with HAIP

Thank you for your interest. Many people have tumours that have spread to the liver. Presently at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, HAIP is only being used in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, cannot be removed surgically, and has not spread to anywhere else in the body. If you believe you may benefit from this therapy and would like to learn more about our clinical trial – due to resources only open to residents of Ontario, your medical oncologist or surgeon may fax a referral to 416-480-6179.

- Paul Karanicolas MD, FRCSC and Yoo-Joung Ko MD, FRCPC