Chemoembolisation, also known as transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), is a procedure that combines the administration of chemotherapy with embolisation to treat tumours, mainly in the liver and liver metastases.
Chemoembolisation focuses a large dose of chemotherapy directly into a tumour, which reduces blood flow to the tumour, leading to its reduction.
It is performed by an experienced interventional radiologist from our team, who inserts a catheter into the femoral artery in the groin. A mild sedative or local anaesthetic will be administered to avoid any pain or discomfort. The catheter is then guided along the femoral artery to the hepatic artery, which feeds the liver. Once the catheter is in place inside the liver, chemotherapy is injected into the catheter.
After chemotherapy, a special gel or small drops are injected into the catheter. This is to stop the blood flow to the tumour, which helps kill the cancer cells by cutting off the oxygen supply. This also helps keep the chemotherapy drugs in the liver longer. Chemoembolisation therefore has a dual approach: first of all, chemotherapy and then the flow of blood and oxygen is stopped.
Chemoembolisation is not suitable for all patients.
The doctor will evaluate each individual case and determine whether TACE is the best treatment option.
Do not hesitate to request an appointment with our specialists