If you or a loved one is facing liver cancer, Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) may offer a minimally invasive, targeted treatment option. TACE allows doctors to deliver chemotherapy directly to liver tumours through the blood supply while minimising exposure to the rest of the body. The Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia (IRSA) is here to help you find the right interventional radiologist in Australia or New Zealand to perform this life-extending procedure.
What is Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE)
for Liver Cancer?
TACE is a minimally invasive procedure in which chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly into the liver tumours through the liver arteries using interventional radiology, helping to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
The term “transarterial” refers to delivering the treatment through the arteries, and “chemoembolisation” involves using both chemotherapy drugs and an embolic agent to block the blood supply to the tumour. By cutting off the tumour’s blood supply from the hepatic artery, the chemotherapy remains concentrated in the liver, making it more effective against the cancer cells while reducing side effects on the rest of the body.
ABOUT
DIAGNOSIS
PROCEDURE
BENEFITS
RISKS
RESULTSWhy Would My Doctor Refer Me for This Procedure?
TACE is typically recommended for patients with liver cancer whose tumours cannot be removed surgically or treated with ablation (destroying tissue using heat or cold). It is commonly used for those with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or liver metastases (cancer that has spread to the liver from another part of the body). TACE can slow the growth of tumours, improve quality of life, and extend survival.
Wondering If You Qualify for TRANSARTERIAL CHEMOEMBOLISATION FOR LIVER CANCER (TACE)?
About the Procedure
Diagnosis
Before TACE, your doctor will assess your liver function and overall health through imaging scans (such as CT or MRI) and blood tests. These will help determine if TACE is the right treatment option for you.
Preparation
You will need to fast for at least six hours before the procedure. You may also receive medications to minimise nausea, infection, and pain. Your doctor will guide you on what to expect before your hospital admission.
Procedure
The TACE procedure takes place in a radiology suite under local anaesthesia and twilight sedation. A small tube, or catheter, is inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist and guided to the liver’s hepatic artery using X-ray imaging. Once in place, chemotherapy and an embolic agent are injected to block the blood supply to the tumour. The procedure typically lasts 2-3 hours.
Recovery
If the groin was accessed, you will lay in bed for 4-6 hours after the procedure to minimise the risk of bruising/bleeding from the artery. An overnight stay in hospital will be needed so that you can be monitored and any medications that may be needed for nausea etc can be administered. Most patients can go home the following day.
You may feel lethargic or suffer from mild upper abdominal discomfort for a few days and may experience a low-grade fever and nausea as a response to the chemo for liver cancer. These are generally related to treatment of the tumours and injury to the abnormal cells by the chemoembolisation.
Benefits of Transarterial Chemoembolisation
ACE offers several benefits for patients with liver cancer:
Targeted treatment
TACE delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver tumours through the hepatic artery, allowing for higher doses of chemotherapy while reducing side effects in the rest of the body.
Slowing tumour growth
TACE helps keep liver cancer under control by slowing the growth of tumours, potentially extending survival.
Repeatable treatment
If new live tumours develop or existing ones partially respond, TACE can be repeated to manage the cancer’s progression.
Improved quality of life
By controlling tumour growth, TACE can help patients experience fewer symptoms and maintain a better quality of life compared to other treatments.
Risks of Transarterial Chemoembolisation
TACE is generally considered safe as it is a minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment with lower risks than traditional open surgery. However, as it is a medical procedure, there are some risks to be aware of:
Liver function
In some cases, TACE can cause a temporary decline in liver function.
Infection or bleeding
As with any procedure involving the blood vessels, there is a small risk of infection or bleeding at the catheter insertion site.
Gallbladder issues
In rare cases, TACE can lead to a gallbladder infection due to blocked blood flow through the blood vessels.
Kidney impairment
Less than 1% of patients may experience kidney complications or heart issues after TACE, though this is extremely rare.
Your interventional radiologist will carefully evaluate your condition and health of your blood vessels to minimise risks and ensure TACE is a safe option for you.
How Long Does It Take to Respond to the Procedure?
The immediate success of TACE is assessed by how effectively the chemotherapy is delivered to the tumour. However, the full impact of the treatment is usually evaluated with a follow-up CT scan and blood tests for cancer markers about one month after the procedure.
Many patients will require additional TACE treatments if new tumours develop or if the initial treatment only partially reduces the tumour size. Your interventional radiologist will closely monitor your progress and recommend further treatment as needed.
Find a Doctor
If you’re considering TACE for liver cancer, it’s important to find a qualified interventional radiologist who specialises in this treatment. The IRSA provides a comprehensive directory of interventional radiologists in Australia and New Zealand. You can search by location and specialty to ensure you find a skilled doctor who can offer the best possible care.
FAQs
What is Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE)?
TACE is a minimally invasive procedure using interventional radiology that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to liver tumours via the arteries, helping to treat primary and secondary liver cancer. It also involves blocking the blood supply to the tumour, ensuring the chemotherapy stays concentrated within the cancerous area, reducing remaining cancer cells. You can find an interventional radiologist who performs TACE through IRSA’s “Find a Doctor” tool.
Who is a candidate for Transarterial Chemoembolisation?
Patients with liver cancer who cannot undergo surgery or other treatments may be eligible for TACE. It is commonly used for hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases. An interventional radiologist can assess your condition and determine if TACE is right for you.
Is Transarterial Chemoembolisation painful?
TACE is generally well-tolerated, as it is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure with lower risks than traditional surgery. You will receive local anaesthesia and sedation to minimise discomfort. Some patients may feel mild abdominal discomfort or nausea during the procedure, but these symptoms can be managed with medications. Consult an interventional radiologist through IRSA to learn more.
What are the common side effects of Transarterial Chemoembolisation?
Common side effects include mild lethargy, nausea, and upper abdominal discomfort for a few days following the procedure. These symptoms typically subside with rest and medication. Your interventional radiologist, found via IRSA, will provide detailed aftercare instructions.
How long does recovery take after Transarterial Chemoembolisation?
Most patients stay in the hospital overnight and return home the next day. You may experience mild symptoms like fatigue or nausea for a few days but should recover fully within a week. Your doctor will advise on how to manage recovery effectively.
How effective is Transarterial Chemoembolisation in treating liver cancer?
TACE is effective in controlling tumour growth and extending the survival of patients with liver cancer. While it is not a cure, it helps manage the disease, limit cancer growth, and improve quality of life. Your interventional radiologist can assess your response to TACE with follow-up scans.
How can I find a specialist in Australia or New Zealand for Transarterial Chemoembolisation?
Through the IRSA you can locate an interventional radiologist in Australia or New Zealand who specialises in Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE). This tool allows you to search by geographic location and specialty to find a qualified professional for your interventional radiology treatment.
Take the next step toward effective liver cancer treatment by finding an interventional radiologist with IRSA’s “Find a Doctor” tool today!