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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.
What Is TACE?
TACE combines two powerful therapies:
- Targeted chemotherapy: delivers cancer-fighting drugs directly to the tumor
- 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.