CHRISTUS Health
Transarterial Chemoembolizaton (TACE)
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Treating Liver Cancer
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
TACE delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor while blocking its blood supply, unlike systemic chemotherapy, which affects the whole body.
Patients receive sedation to stay comfortable during the procedure. Mild discomfort may occur afterward but improves within days.