Treatments we provide
Transarterial Chemoembolisation
Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) is a treatment that targets cancer of the liver or other cancers that have spread to the liver by delivering cancer drugs (chemotherapy) and blocking blood supply directly to the tumour. Healthy liver tissue near the tumour is preserved using this technique. It is an effective and safe way of treating certain tumours and has minimal side effects.
Procedure
Transarterial Chemoembolisation is an x-ray-guided procedure that delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver cancer via the arteries. A thin catheter inserted through the groin is guided to the artery supplying blood to the liver. The catheter is placed as close to the cancer as possible, then chemotherapy and is injected slowly and directly into the tumour. Embolic agents are then injected to starve the tumour of its blood supply and to increase the duration of action of the chemotherapy. X-ray images are taken and reviewed to assess whether the tumour has been treated adequately.
The procedure generally takes approximately 1.5 hours. Depending on the size, location, and the number of tumours, further treatments may be required. In almost two-thirds of cases, TACE can cause tumours to shrink or stop them from growing.
Risks
Major complications following a TACE are rare. However, they can include:
- Liver infection
- Worsening of liver function
- Bleeding from the liver or tumour
- Bruising or bleeding from the site of entry
- Gall bladder infection
Recovery
In most cases, patients will be admitted to hospital for an overnight stay for the procedure. In the days following the procedure, it is common to have a fever though you should monitor for any sign of infection. You may also experience some pain, nausea, or vomiting, which can be managed with medications. For up to a week following the procedure some patients experience fatigue or have flu-like symptoms.