A Common Treatment for Primary Liver Tumors, Especially Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
This method combines the direct delivery of chemotherapy to the tumor and the blockage of its blood supply to deprive the cancer cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to tumor destruction.
 

Before starting the treatment, the patient undergoes a series of preliminary tests such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound to assess the size, location, and condition of the tumor, as well as blood tests including liver function, coagulation, and blood count to evaluate the feasibility of the procedure. On the day of the procedure, the patient receives pre medications to reduce the chances of pain and discomfort afterward, as well as antibiotics. An interventional radiologist inserts a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the forearm and guides it through the arterial system until it reaches the specific hepatic artery supplying blood to the tumor. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic imaging to ensure maximum accuracy. Once the catheter is positioned in the artery leading to the tumor, chemotherapy is injected directly into the artery. The chemotherapy typically includes agents such as doxorubicin, mitomycin C, or cisplatin, combined with a lipid-based agent like lipiodol or other particles. If the artery leading to the tumor is not blocked after the entire dose is delivered, tiny non-drug particles are injected to block the blood vessels.

Advantages of the Treatment

• Injecting chemotherapy directly into the tumor allows for a higher concentration of the drug at the target site, increasing the treatment's effectiveness
   

• Reduction of systemic side effects
   

• Selective embolization preserves liver function and can make the patient eligible for curative treatments such as resection or transplantation

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Disadvantages and Risks

• Side Effects: Include pain, fever, nausea, and rarely complications,such as infections or damage to healthy liver tissue
   

• Recurrence: There is a risk of tumor recurrence, and repeat treatments may be necessary
   

• Not Suitable for All Patients: TACE is not suitable for patients with severe liver problems, ascites, or impaired blood clotting

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