TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization)
Advanced Minimally Invasive Treatment for Liver Cancer. TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) is a specialized, minimally invasive procedure used primarily to treat liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This breakthrough treatment combines chemotherapy and embolization to deliver targeted medication directly to the tumor while blocking its blood supply, improving survival outcomes with minimal side effects.
TACE is a minimally invasive treatment which involves targeted delivery of anti-cancer medicines directly into the cancer. TACE blocks the blood supply to the cancer, thus depriving the cancer of nourishment. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is usually completed in about an hour.
What is TACE?
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is a procedure in which the blood supply to a tumor is blocked after anticancer drugs are given in blood vessels near the tumor. Sometimes, the anticancer drugs are attached to small beads that are injected into an artery that feeds the tumor.
The beads block blood flow to the tumor as they release the drug. This allows a higher amount of drug to reach the tumor for a longer period of time, which may kill more cancer cells. It also causes fewer side effects because very little of the drug reaches other parts of the body.
Conditions Treated with TACE
TACE is recommended for treating:
- Intermediate-stage liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC)
- Liver metastases from colorectal cancer
- Liver metastases from breast cancer
- Liver metastases from carcinoid tumors
- Liver metastases from sarcomas
- Liver metastases from melanoma
- Tumors too large for surgical resection
- Patients waiting for liver transplant
TACE is most commonly indicated for patients with HCC who are not candidates for surgical resection or liver transplantation.
Symptoms That May Require TACE Evaluation
Common symptoms that may lead to consideration of TACE include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Ascites (fluid accumulation in abdomen)
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
The decision to perform TACE is made after thorough evaluation including CT scans or MRIs.
Types of TACE
Conventional TACE (cTACE)
Traditional Chemoembolization
This is the traditional method where a mixture of chemotherapy agents and embolic particles is injected into the hepatic artery. The chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to the tumor, while the embolic agents block the blood supply, leading to tumor necrosis.
Drug-Eluting Bead TACE (DEB-TACE)
Controlled Drug Release
This technique utilizes specially designed beads that are loaded with chemotherapy drugs. These beads are injected into blood vessels supplying the tumor, where they release chemotherapy over time, allowing more controlled release and potentially reduced systemic side effects.
How TACE is Performed
TACE is done via angiography under local anesthesia in an angiography suite.
Procedure Steps
Minimally invasive · About 1 hour
- A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel (usually through the femoral artery in the groin).
- The catheter is guided towards the liver under X-ray guidance.
- Once in the liver, it is further guided into the blood vessel supplying the cancer.
- Chemotherapeutic medicines and embolic particles are injected precisely into the particular blood vessel.
- The chemotherapy medication kills cancer, and embolic particles block the blood vessel, stopping supply of nutrients and oxygen.
The process is done under local anesthesia and is usually completed in an hour.
Benefits of TACE
Recovery After TACE
After TACE is performed, the patient is shifted back to their room. After a few hours, water and food are given to the patient. Post-procedure, patients may experience mild pain, discomfort, or fever, which is treated with oral or intravenous medication. Most patients are discharged by the 3rd day.
Precautions after TACE:
- The puncture site is monitored for bleeding or hematoma formation
- Patients must stay in bed for 6 to 8 hours if puncture is done in the groin
- Patients can walk right after treatment if puncture site is the wrist
- One month after TACE, blood tests and scan (CT or MRI) assess treatment results
Side Effects of TACE
TACE is a well-tolerated treatment; most patients experience mild side effects like:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Rarely, patients may develop jaundice, infection, or bleeding, which may need prolonged hospital stays. Most of the time, TACE causes only mild side effects because the highest concentration of anti-cancer medicine is given to the area where cancer is present.
Success Rate of TACE
TACE is used to downstage cancer and improve patient survival. Generally speaking, TACE stops tumor growth in approximately 70% of patients. TACE, if combined with RFA (Radiofrequency ablation) or microwave ablation, often becomes a curative treatment (the patient becomes cancer free).
Why Choose Our TACE Program?
We offer advanced liver cancer treatment using the latest interventional radiology technologies and evidence-based treatment strategies.
Ready to Consult Dr. Tejendra Ramani?
Book your appointment today and get expert vascular care in Kutch.
Dr. Tejendra Ramani
Consultant Interventional Radiologist
Vascular · Neuro ·
Image-Guided Interventions
MD (Gold Medalist) Neuro & Vascular Interventional Specialist NIMHANS-trained Neuro Intervention, PhD Scholar
View Full Profile