Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) 

Ideal Candidates for Chemoembolization

Transarterial chemoembolization offers an effective treatment option for many patients with liver cancer. You may be an ideal candidate if you:

• Have primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or metastases from other cancers
• Have tumors that cannot be surgically removed
• Maintain relatively good liver function despite your cancer
• Have cancer confined mainly to the liver
• Are not currently a candidate for liver transplantation
• Need relief from symptoms caused by liver tumors
• Are waiting for a liver transplant and need a “bridge therapy”

Our team at the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center carefully evaluates each patient’s unique situation, considering factors like tumor size, number and location, as well as their overall health, to determine if TACE is a suitable treatment option. We work closely with your oncologist and other providers to determine if chemoembolization is right for you.

What to Expect During Treatment

Chemoembolization is typically performed as an outpatient treatment but, in some cases, may require an overnight hospital stay. Before your procedure, you’ll receive sedation to keep you comfortable. The actual treatment takes approximately 90 minutes to three hours to complete, depending on your specific case.

First, your interventional radiologist will make a tiny incision in your groin area to access the femoral artery. Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), a small catheter will be guided through your blood vessels to the arteries supplying your liver tumor. Once positioned correctly, the chemotherapy-embolic mixture is delivered precisely to the target area.

Following the procedure, pressure will be applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding, and you’ll need to lie flat for several hours. Some patients stay overnight for observation, though most may go home later the same day. Our team provides detailed instructions for your recovery and schedules follow-up imaging to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness.

Transarterial Chemoembolization Recovery

After transaterial chemoembolization, you can expect to experience what’s known as “post-embolization syndrome” — a set of temporary side effects that may include pain, nausea, fever and fatigue. These symptoms typically peak within 48-72 hours and gradually improve over the following week. Our team provides medications to help manage these effects and ensure your comfort during recovery.

Most patients can resume normal activities after seven to 10 days. You’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your response to treatment. CT scans or MRIs are typically performed one to three months after the procedure to evaluate if tumor growth has slowed or stopped. Depending on your condition, you may need multiple TACE sessions, usually spaced several months apart. Our physicians will work with you to develop the most effective treatment plan for your unique situation.