Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is an image-guided liver cancer treatment that delivers chemotherapy and embolic material through arteries supplying a tumour. It is used for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and some other liver tumours. It is not suitable for every liver cancer or every stage of disease.
Choosing a liver cancer treatment plan
The team reviews tumour size, number and location, liver function, general health and whether cancer has spread. Options may include surgery, transplantation, ablation, arterial treatment, radiotherapy or systemic medicines. TACE should be considered within a multidisciplinary plan rather than assumed to be a replacement for all other treatments.
How the TACE procedure works
A catheter is introduced through an artery and guided to the liver under X-ray imaging. Angiography helps identify the tumour’s blood supply. Chemotherapy with an embolic agent, or drug-eluting beads in an appropriate technique, is delivered selectively. This concentrates treatment around the tumour and reduces its arterial blood supply.
What patients may gain from treatment
TACE may help control tumour growth and can be repeated when the response, liver function and overall condition allow. In selected treatment plans it may be used while awaiting another therapy. It does not guarantee that the cancer will disappear, and it is not automatically safer or more effective than the alternatives for an individual patient.
Preparation and possible risks
Blood tests assess liver and kidney function, clotting and blood counts. The team reviews contrast allergies and medicines. Pain, fever, tiredness, nausea and reduced appetite can occur after embolisation. More serious risks include infection, liver deterioration or failure, contrast-related problems and unintended treatment of other tissues.
Recovery and response assessment
Hospital observation and recovery vary with the treatment and liver condition. Follow-up CT or MRI checks tumour response and helps decide the next step. Contact the treating team for persistent fever, worsening pain, jaundice or inability to eat or drink.
Liver tumour consultation in Vijayawada
Bring original scan images, pathology results where available, liver blood tests and the oncology treatment history. Learn about image-guided cancer treatments or request an appointment with Dr Bhavani Shankar Manam, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist.
