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Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Liver Tumors

TACE - Transarterial Chemoembolization for Liver Tumors

Transarterial Chemoembolization, or TACE for short, is a special way to treat liver tumors. It combines two things: chemo (medicine to kill cancer cells) and embolization (blocking blood vessels that feed the tumor).

Who can get TACE treatment for liver tumors?

TACE is usually for people with liver cancer, especially if they can’t have surgery or liver transplant. Doctors will decide if TACE is the right choice based on the patient’s condition and the tumor size and location.

TACE - Transarterial Chemoembolization for Liver Tumors

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Liver Tumors
Transarterial Chemoembolization, or TACE for short, is a special way to treat liver tumors. It combines two things: chemo (medicine to kill cancer cells) and embolization (blocking blood vessels that feed the tumor).

Who can get TACE treatment for liver tumors?

TACE is usually for people with liver cancer, especially if they can’t have surgery or liver transplant. Doctors will decide if TACE is the right choice based on the patient’s condition and the tumor size and location.

How does TACE work to treat liver tumors?

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
During TACE, doctors put tiny beads filled with chemotherapy directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumor. These beads release medicine to attack the cancer cells while also blocking the blood flow to the tumor, making it harder for it to grow.

How does TACE work to treat liver tumors?

During TACE, doctors put tiny beads filled with chemotherapy directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumor. These beads release medicine to attack the cancer cells while also blocking the blood flow to the tumor, making it harder for it to grow.
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
Liver cancer

What are the benefits of TACE for liver tumors?

TACE can help slow down or shrink liver tumors. It can also ease symptoms like pain and discomfort. It’s less invasive than surgery, which means a shorter recovery time.

Is TACE a one-time treatment, or need to have it more than once?

Sometimes, TACE is done more than once. It depends on how the tumor responds. Doctors might repeat the treatment to make sure they get all the cancer cells.

Are there any side effects or things to watch out for after TACE?

After TACE, some people might feel tired, have a low fever, or experience pain at the treatment site. Serious complications are rare but can include liver damage or infection. It is common to have elevated liver enzymes i.e. SGOT/SGPT after TACE procedure.

liver transplantation

Are there alternative treatments to RFA for liver tumors?

TACE might not cure liver cancer completely, but it can help manage it and improve the patient’s quality of life. It’s often used when a cure isn’t possible. It is commonly used as a bridge to liver transplant i.e. those cirrhoticpatients with liver tumours, who are in the waiting list for transplant.

How long does it take to recover from TACE treatment?

Recovery time varies from person to person, but many people can go back to their normal activities within a week or so after TACE. Your doctor will give you guidance on what to expect.

Are there other treatments for liver tumors besides TACE?

Yes, there are other treatments like surgery, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, radiation therapy, and different types of chemotherapy. The choice depends on the patient’s specific situation.
radiofrequency ablation - RFA

Can children get TACE for liver tumors, or is it only for adults?

TACE is usually done in adults, but sometimes, doctors may consider it for older teenagers or young adults with specific types of liver tumors. It’s essential to talk to a pediatric oncologist for children’s cancer treatment options.

Dr. Harsh J Shah

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