TACE treatment, or Transarterial Chemoembolization, is a minimally invasive procedure that combines chemotherapy with embolization to treat cancer, most commonly liver cancer. It is performed by an interventional radiologist.
Understanding TACE
TACE is a non-surgical approach designed to target cancer cells directly within the liver. The procedure involves two key components:
- Chemotherapy Delivery: Chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to the tumor(s) in the liver. This concentrated delivery allows for a higher dose of chemotherapy to reach the cancer cells while minimizing the systemic side effects that can occur with traditional chemotherapy.
- Embolization: Following the chemotherapy infusion, the blood vessels supplying the tumor are blocked (embolized). This blockage cuts off the tumor's blood supply, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients needed for growth.
How TACE Works: A Step-by-Step Overview
- Access: The interventional radiologist makes a small incision, usually in the groin, and inserts a catheter into an artery.
- Navigation: Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the catheter is carefully navigated through the arteries to the hepatic artery, which supplies blood to the liver.
- Targeted Delivery: The catheter is advanced further into the specific artery or arteries feeding the liver tumor(s).
- Chemoinfusion: Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the tumor(s).
- Embolization: Embolic agents (materials used to block blood vessels) are injected to block the artery feeding the tumor.
- Removal: The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the incision site to prevent bleeding.
Benefits of TACE
- Targeted Treatment: TACE delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, increasing its effectiveness while reducing systemic side effects.
- Minimally Invasive: TACE is a non-surgical procedure, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
- Tumor Control: By cutting off the tumor's blood supply, TACE can slow down or stop tumor growth.
Potential Risks
As with any medical procedure, TACE carries some potential risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Liver damage
- Post-embolization syndrome (fever, pain, nausea)
These risks are generally manageable, and the interventional radiologist will discuss them with the patient before the procedure.
In Summary
TACE is a valuable treatment option for liver cancer, providing a targeted and minimally invasive approach to control tumor growth and improve patient outcomes. It is a specialized procedure performed by interventional radiologists.
