HAI chronomodulated chemotherapy

HAI chronomodulated chemotherapy refers to the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents directly into the hepatic artery (hepatic arterial infusion, HAI) using a schedule that is synchronized with the patient’s circadian rhythms (chronotherapy). This approach aims to maximize antitumor efficacy against liver metastases—most commonly from colorectal cancer—while minimizing toxicity to healthy liver tissue. The regimen typically involves multidrug combinations such as 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan administered via programmable pumps that deliver drugs in sinusoidal patterns aligned with biological clocks. Chronotherapy exploits differences in drug metabolism and cell cycle timing between tumor and normal cells; detoxification pathways in normal liver are regulated by circadian genes but are often disrupted in tumors. Clinical studies suggest this method can improve tolerability and response rates even in heavily pretreated patients[3][5][6]. The OPTILIV protocol is one example of a triplet-chemotherapy-based HAI regimen delivered with chronomodulation[5].

Other names

hepatic arterial infusion chronomodulated chemotherapyregional chronomodulated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapyHAIC chronomodulation