We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Transarterial Chemoembolization?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 16,542
Share

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Lostnfound — On May 30, 2014

It's good to know that patients who aren't candidates for surgery do have other options for treatment for liver cancer. It's absolutely amazing the advancements modern medicine has made in the past 20 years. It's so encouraging to see so many more treatments available for cancer patients.

By Grivusangel — On May 29, 2014

Good heavens! What a long name for a procedure! However, I can certainly see the benefits of doing chemotherapy in this way. It directly targets the organ in question, which can only be a good thing. I would also think the other side effects of chemo, like nausea or hair loss. If those side effects are diminished, that would seem to be a really optimal treatment.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-transarterial-chemoembolization.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.