What is transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)?

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat liver tumors by delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor while simultaneously cutting off its blood supply. During this procedure, the doctor:

• Inserts a thin flexible tube (catheter) into an artery in your wrist or groin.
• Guides the catheter through the blood vessels to the artery that feeds the tumor in the liver.
• Injects a combination of chemotherapy drugs and embolic agents (tiny particles) directly into the tumor's blood supply.
• The embolic particles block the blood flow to the tumor, trapping the chemotherapy drugs inside it for a longer period.

Being told you need treatment for a liver tumor can feel overwhelming, and it is completely normal to have many questions. Your doctor and care team are here to guide you through every step, address your concerns, and ensure you feel fully supported throughout your treatment.

When would I need TACE?

Your doctor may recommend TACE if your liver tumor cannot be removed with surgery or if surgery is not a safe option for you. TACE is commonly used for:

• Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC) that is intermediate-stage or unresectable.
• Tumors that have spread to the liver from another organ (metastatic liver tumors), such as those from colorectal, breast, or neuroendocrine cancers.
• Patients waiting for a liver transplant, to shrink or control the tumor until a donor organ becomes available.
• Patients who are not fit for major surgery due to other health conditions.
• As a palliative treatment to slow tumor growth and relieve symptoms.

What happens before the procedure?

If your doctor decides TACE is the right treatment for you, they will explain how it fits into your overall cancer care plan. You may need other treatments — such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy — either before or after the procedure.

Before the procedure, you will typically have:

• Blood tests to check your liver function, kidney function, and blood clotting ability.
• Imaging scans (CT, MRI, or ultrasound) to map the size, number, and location of tumors and plan the catheter route.
• An angiogram in some cases, to study the blood vessels supplying the liver.
• A detailed discussion about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to TACE.

What do I need to do to get ready?

To prepare for the procedure, your doctor might ask you to:

• Stop taking blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin or warfarin) several days before the procedure.
• Stop eating and drinking for at least six hours before the procedure.
• Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to the procedure to protect your kidneys from the contrast dye used during the procedure.
• Inform your doctor of all current medications, known allergies (especially to iodine or contrast dye), and any implanted devices.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for the first day or two of recovery.

What happens during TACE?

The procedure is usually performed under conscious sedation so you are relaxed and comfortable but not fully asleep. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used. The steps typically include:

• You are positioned on the procedure table and connected to monitoring equipment to track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
• The skin at the entry site (usually the groin or wrist) is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
• A small nick is made in the skin and a catheter is inserted into the artery.
• Using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) and contrast dye, the doctor carefully navigates the catheter through the arterial system to the hepatic artery branches feeding the tumor.
• A mixture of chemotherapy drugs and embolic particles is injected directly into the tumor's blood supply.
• The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the entry site to prevent bleeding.
• You are moved to a recovery room for monitoring.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure itself usually takes one to three hours, depending on the number of tumors being treated and the complexity of the blood vessel anatomy. Your total time at the hospital — including preparation and recovery observation — will be longer, and most patients stay overnight for at least one night. Your doctor will give you a more specific estimate based on your individual case.

What are the pros and cons of this procedure?

TACE offers several significant advantages. It delivers a high concentration of chemotherapy directly to the tumor while limiting the exposure of the rest of the body to the drugs, which means fewer systemic side effects compared to standard chemotherapy. It is minimally invasive, preserves healthy liver tissue, and can be repeated if necessary.

However, as with any procedure, there are some risks and limitations to be aware of:

• Post-embolization syndrome: A very common reaction including fever, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain in the days following the procedure. This is the body's natural response to the treatment.
• Liver toxicity: The procedure can temporarily affect liver function, particularly in patients who already have liver disease such as cirrhosis.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection in the liver (liver abscess) or at the catheter entry site.
• Non-target embolization: Rarely, the embolic particles may affect blood vessels supplying healthy tissue near the tumor.
• Tumor recurrence: The tumor may regrow over time, requiring repeat sessions of TACE or a change in treatment strategy.
• Kidney stress: The contrast dye used during the procedure can strain the kidneys, which is why good hydration before the procedure is important.

What happens right after the procedure?

After the procedure, you will be moved to a monitored recovery area. The medical team will closely check your vital signs, liver function, and the catheter entry site for several hours. Most patients are required to lie flat for a few hours to allow the entry site to heal and prevent bleeding. You will receive intravenous fluids, pain relief medication, and anti-nausea medication as needed. A hospital stay of one to two nights is typically recommended.

What does recovery feel like?

Recovery from TACE is generally manageable, though it is normal to feel unwell for several days after the procedure due to post-embolization syndrome. Here is what you can typically expect:

• Days 1–5: Fever, fatigue, nausea, and dull abdominal pain or discomfort are common. These symptoms are a sign that the treatment is working and will gradually improve with rest and medication.
• Weeks 1–2: Energy levels begin to improve. Most patients are able to return to light daily activities, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided.
• Weeks 4–6: A follow-up imaging scan (CT or MRI) will be performed to assess how the tumor has responded to the treatment and to plan the next steps in your care.

Your doctor will schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your liver function and check for any sign of tumor recurrence. In many cases, TACE is given in more than one session, spaced weeks or months apart, to achieve the best results.

When should I call my doctor?

You will have scheduled follow-up appointments, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

• A high fever (above 38.5°C / 101.3°F) that does not settle with medication.
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the catheter entry site.
• Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools.
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Significantly reduced urine output, which may indicate kidney stress.

If you feel emotionally anxious or distressed at any point during your treatment journey, please let your care team know. Support from counsellors and specialists is available to help you cope with both the physical and emotional challenges of liver cancer treatment.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in Lucknow, India. Our skilled team of interventional radiologists and liver cancer specialists use advanced catheter-based techniques and high-resolution imaging to deliver targeted chemotherapy directly to liver tumors with precision and safety. We ensure thorough pre-procedure evaluation, individualized treatment planning, and attentive post-procedure care for a safe and comfortable recovery. With expert liver cancer care and affordable pricing, our TACE procedure cost is suitable for patients seeking high-quality, minimally invasive liver tumor treatment in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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