What Is Transarterial Chemoembolization?

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) introduces chemotherapy directly to a liver tumor and blocks its blood supply. This approach is designed to kill tumors and limit opportunities for them to proliferate. It may be appropriate for some patients with liver cancers, and can be discussed as a treatment option if a patient is a good candidate. Treatment can extend life, but it also comes with some risks, including severe liver damage. Patients with severe liver impairment may not be good choices for transarterial chemoembolization procedures.

In this minimally invasive treatment option, a technician threads a catheter into the liver with the assistance of imaging equipment to make sure it is placed in the right place. The technician injects chemotherapy medication directly into the tumor, allowing for a small and highly targeted dose. Chemical gels or mechanical devices can be placed in the blood vessel after the chemotherapy to cut off the flow of blood to the tumor. Once the imaging confirms they are correctly placed, the technician can withdraw the catheter.

Patients may need to stay overnight after the procedure for monitoring. They can experience some inflammation which may cause fever and abdominal pain after the procedure. In cases where the liver is damaged, this can impair liver function and may lead to complications like jaundice or even death. Medical personnel monitor the patient carefully for signs that might indicate the patient’s liver is impaired after transarterial chemoembolization.

Also termed hepatic artery chemoembolization, this treatment may be an option for patients who are not good candidates for surgery, for a variety of reasons. It is less invasive than surgery and thus comes with a reduced risk of complications like infections at the site of the surgical incision or bad reactions to anesthesia. After transarterial chemoembolization, patients still need follow-up tests to see if the tumor responded to the treatment and to check for complications. These can include imaging studies as well as blood tests to assess liver function.

The prognosis for patients with liver cancers can depend on the type of cancer and the stage. Catching cancers earlier can increase treatment options and survival rates by allowing care personnel to attack the growth early, before it has a chance to spread. Some procedures may not be options in cases of advanced cancers, which can limit access to the best possible treatments. People who notice symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and abdominal tenderness may want to seek medical evaluation to determine if these are signs of liver or other abdominal cancers.