Chemoembolizációval

Chemoembolizációval, often referred to as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), is a minimally invasive procedure used primarily to treat certain types of liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, and sometimes colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. It involves delivering a high concentration of chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor while simultaneously blocking the blood supply that nourishes the tumor. This dual action aims to kill cancer cells with less systemic toxicity than traditional chemotherapy and starve the tumor of oxygen and nutrients, leading to its shrinkage or death.

The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist. A small incision is made, typically in the groin, and a catheter is guided through blood vessels to the hepatic artery, which supplies blood to the liver. Once the catheter is positioned near the tumor, a mixture of chemotherapy agents and embolic particles (tiny beads) is injected. The chemotherapy drugs directly attack the cancer cells, while the embolic particles block the small arteries feeding the tumor, preventing further blood flow. This blockage also helps to trap the chemotherapy in the tumor for a longer period, increasing its effectiveness.

Patients undergoing chemoembolizációval may experience side effects similar to those of conventional chemotherapy, though often less severe. These can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. The procedure is generally well-tolerated and can be repeated if necessary. It is often used in conjunction with other cancer treatments or when surgery is not an option. Imaging techniques such as CT or MRI are used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and the progression of the cancer.