Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is a liver cancer treatment designed to block the tumor’s blood supply. In this procedure, doctors inject a combination of substances into the blood vessels that supply the tumor. These include chemotherapy drugs that stop the growth of abnormal cells and embolic agents—either oil-based or microscopic plastic particles—to “trap” the chemotherapy in the tumor area.
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Purpose of TACE
TACE is used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both children and adults. It is often the first treatment option for patients whose tumors are too large to be surgically removed.
TACE may also be used to treat other cancers that have metastasized (spread) to the liver, including:
- Breast cancer
- Carcinoid tumors
- Colorectal cancer
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Ocular melanoma (eye cancer)
- Sarcoma
Is TACE the Same as Chemotherapy?
TACE and traditional chemotherapy both use anti-cancer drugs to fight tumors, but there are important differences:
- TACE delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, whereas traditional chemotherapy circulates the drugs throughout the entire body via the bloodstream.
- TACE uses a higher dose of chemotherapy than systemic chemotherapy. Because the medication is concentrated in the tumor, patients typically experience fewer and less severe side effects.
TACE Procedure
Here’s an overview of the TACE procedure:
Before the Procedure
TACE is performed by an interventional radiologist using a small tube (catheter) and advanced imaging technology. Before the procedure, your doctor may order several tests, including:
- CT scan
- MRI
- Blood tests to evaluate kidney function and check for blood clotting problems
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to:
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Minimize nausea
- Protect the kidneys from harmful substances released by dying tumor cells
During the Procedure
- For pediatric patients, general anesthesia may be used so they remain asleep during the procedure. For adult patients, sedation is usually given to keep them relaxed and drowsy.
- The interventional radiologist will make a small incision in a blood vessel near the wrist or groin.
- A catheter is inserted through the incision and guided to the tumor using fluoroscopy (live imaging).
- A special contrast dye is injected to help visualize the tumor and its surrounding blood vessels.
- A mixture of chemotherapy drugs and embolic agents is then delivered directly into the tumor.
- Once the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed and the incision is closed with a bandage.
Benefits of TACE
TACE offers several important benefits for liver cancer treatment:
- High success rate: TACE successfully stops tumor growth in around 70% of patients
- Preserved liver function: TACE rarely affects the liver’s ability to perform its normal functions
- Faster recovery: Compared to traditional cancer treatments, patients undergoing TACE typically recover more quickly and start feeling better within a few weeks
Side Effects of TACE
After undergoing TACE, patients may experience side effects such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and mild fever. These symptoms are known as postembolization syndrome. Patients typically need to stay in the hospital for 1–2 days until symptoms subside.
After being discharged, patients are advised to rest. During recovery, they may be prescribed medications to relieve pain and nausea.
Some patients may also experience fever for up to a week, fatigue, and loss of appetite for several weeks following the procedure.
TACE at Mandaya Liver Center with Experienced Specialists
The Liver Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers TACE procedures performed by experienced interventional radiologist dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI.
He is a specialist in performing minimally invasive imaging-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly all organs of the body using advanced radiology technology.
In addition to TACE, dr. Sugianto is also an expert in Microwave Ablation (MWA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to treat liver nodules and liver cancer.
The Mandaya Liver Center is also equipped with an Advanced Liver Lab, which provides PIVKA-II testing, a key diagnostic tool for detecting liver cancer.
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play or the App Store to view queue numbers, schedule appointments, and access complete hospital information.
