TACE Procedure (Transarterial Chemoembolization) 

TACE is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure used primarily to treat liver cancers, especially:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

  • Liver metastases (cancer spread from colon, pancreas, breast, etc.)

It is commonly recommended when surgery is not possible or as part of a combined treatment plan.

How TACE Works

TACE delivers cancer-killing treatment directly into the artery feeding the tumor.
The goal is twofold:

  1. Inject chemotherapy directly into the tumor

  2. Block blood supply (embolization) so the tumor is starved of oxygen and nutrients

This dual action leads to:

  • higher chemo concentration at the tumor site

  • minimal effect on the rest of the body

  • controlled tumor shrinkage or growth arrest

Step-by-Step Procedure

  1. Local anesthesia (patient remains awake but relaxed)

  2. A small catheter is inserted—usually through the groin or wrist artery

  3. Using real-time imaging (fluoroscopy), the catheter is guided to hepatic artery

  4. Chemotherapy drug + embolization particles are injected

  5. Blood supply to the tumor is blocked

  6. Catheter is removed and patient monitored for a few hours

Typical duration: 60–90 minutes

Types of TACE

1️⃣ Conventional TACE (cTACE)

  • Liquid chemotherapy + embolic agent

  • Widely used and effective

2️⃣ Drug-Eluting Beads TACE (DEB-TACE)

  • Microspheres that slowly release chemotherapy

  • Reduces systemic side effects

  • More controlled dosing

Who Is a Candidate for TACE?

TACE is suitable for:

  • unresectable HCC

  • intermediate stage liver cancer

  • localized metastases

  • patients awaiting liver transplant (bridge therapy)

  • patients who cannot undergo surgery or RFA

Benefits of TACE

  • Minimally invasive (no large incisions)

  • Targeted treatment

  • Preserves healthy liver tissue

  • Short recovery time

  • Can be repeated multiple times

Common Side Effects (Usually Temporary)

  • abdominal pain

  • low-grade fever

  • nausea/vomiting

  • fatigue
    These symptoms are part of post-embolization syndrome and are usually manageable.

Hospital Stay & Recovery

  • Usually 1–2 days

  • Return to normal activities in about a week

  • Imaging follow-up at 4–6 weeks to assess tumor response

Effectiveness

TACE:

  • improves survival in selected patients

  • slows disease progression

  • shrinks tumors

  • is often used in combination with:

    • ablation (RFA/MWA)

    • immunotherapy

    • systemic chemotherapy

    • transplant planning

Contraindications (Not Recommended For)

  • severe liver failure

  • portal vein thrombosis (in some cases)

  • widespread metastasis

  • kidney dysfunction

  • uncontrolled infection

In Simple Words

TACE =
deliver chemo directly to the tumor + cut off its blood supply
→ tumor shrinks or stops growing
→ less damage to normal tissues
→ shorter recovery

 

Book an Appointment / Consultation

If you have been advised for aspiration, drainage, or biopsy—our expert interventional radiology team can provide safe, accurate, and minimally invasive treatment options.

📞 Contact / WhatsApp: 0370-7353445 , 0326-4053417 , 0323-0825571

📍 Clinic Location:

Farooq Hospital :

Avenue Mall, Main Ghazi Rd, DHA, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Mian Muree Expressway, Bahria Golf City Rawalpindi.

🕒 Appointment Timings: 24/7