This treatment for primary and metastatic liver cancer is designed to deliver chemotherapy precisely to the tumor, without damaging the surrounding, healthy tissue. This helps to eliminate cancer while minimizing the side effects that are common with systemic chemotherapy treatment.
“Transarterial” refers to the delivery method through the bloodstream. Using imaging to guide the procedure, the international radiologist inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin or wrist, then advances it through the hepatic artery and to the small blood vessels that are feeding the tumor. A synthetic material containing anti-cancer medication is injected into the vessels that accomplishes two important things (chemoembolization). First, it blocks the flow of blood to the tumor, depriving it of the oxygenated blood it needs. Second, it traps the chemotherapy within the tumor itself, which treats the cancer while preventing the chemotherapy from spreading to other, healthy areas of the liver.
TACE is a treatment to control tumor growth, shrink the tumor and helps to protect the function of the liver. It is often recommended when surgery or radiation are not viable options for the patient.