CHRISTUS Health

Transarterial Chemoembolizaton (TACE)

Transarterial Chemoembolization for Treating Liver Cancer

Transarterial chemoembolization, or TACE, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. By delivering high-dose chemotherapy directly to the tumor and cutting off its blood supply, TACE effectively treats cancer while preserving liver function.

Find a Cancer Center

Start Your Search

What Is TACE?

TACE combines two powerful therapies:

  1. Targeted chemotherapy: delivers cancer-fighting drugs directly to the tumor
  2. Embolization: blocks the blood supply to the tumor, trapping the chemotherapy in place and preventing the tumor from growing

This localized approach allows TACE to deliver a higher dose of chemotherapy with fewer side effects than systemic chemotherapy, which travels through the entire body.

Benefits of TACE

  • Preserves liver function: rarely impacts the liver’s ability to perform its normal functions
  • Minimally invasive: offers a shorter recovery time compared to traditional cancer treatments
  • Fewer side effects: reduces the systemic side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy

Am I a Candidate for TACE?

TACE may be recommended if:

  • Surgery is not an option for treating liver cancer.
  • The liver cancer has not spread to other areas of the body.
  • The tumor is larger than 5 cm.
  • Cancer has spread to the liver from another organ, such as the colon.

How TACE Works

  • Procedure:
    • A small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin.
    • The catheter is guided to the hepatic artery, which supplies blood to the liver tumor.
    • Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the tumor.
    • Tiny particles (embolic agents) are introduced to block the blood supply, starving the tumor of nutrients.
  • Duration: The procedure typically lasts around 90 minutes.
  • Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within one week.

What To Expect After TACE

  • Recovery: You may experience mild side effects, such as fatigue, nausea or abdominal discomfort, which typically improve within a few days.
  • Follow-up: Regular imaging tests will monitor the tumor's response to treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions