Chemoembolization of Tumors

What is chemoembolization of tumors?

Chemoembolization of tumors, also called transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), involves administering chemotherapy followed by embolic agents into the blood vessels that feed the tumor. The embolic agents block the flow of blood to the tumor and trap the chemotherapy.

RIA Endovascular performs chemoembolization of tumors to treat inoperable liver cancer, a life-threatening and fast-growing cancer. Chemoembolization of tumors is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatment that extends life expectancy for those with liver cancer.

Am I a candidate for chemoembolization of tumors?

Your oncologist and interventional radiologist at RIA Endovascular determines if you’re a candidate for chemoembolization of tumors. 

The interventional radiology team may recommend this minimally invasive treatment if you have primary liver cancer (cancer that started in the liver) or metastasized liver cancer (cancer that has spread to other organs), and the tumor is too large to remove surgically. 

What does chemoembolization of tumors feel like?

The interventional radiologist at RIA Endovascular customizes your chemoembolization of tumors treatment plan and talks to you about the procedure so you know what to expect.

It’s a minimally invasive procedure performed using catheters. You may receive a mild sedative before the procedure to help you relax and a local anesthetic to eliminate pain during treatment. 

Your provider inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin and threads it to the hepatic artery using X-ray-guided imaging. You may feel some pressure, but no pain.

Your provider then injects the chemotherapy and embolic agent into the blood vessel, causing a warming sensation that resolves quickly. They remove the catheter, cover and seal the small incision at the groin, and send you to the recovery area for monitoring. 

Chemoembolization of tumors takes about 90 minutes, but you may need to stay in the recovery room for several hours or be admitted to the hospital overnight. 

What can I expect after chemoembolization of tumors?

You can expect some discomfort following your chemoembolization of tumors at RIA Endovascular. Fatigue and nausea are common side effects and can last up to two weeks. You may also have a fever, which is normal.

You’re closely monitored following chemoembolization, and your provider takes periodic images of the liver to check the size of your tumor. You can undergo chemoembolization of tumors multiple times over many years to control tumor growth.

Call RIA Endovascular today or use the online booking button to schedule your chemoembolization of tumors consultation.