kemoterapialeembolisaatio

Kemoterapialeembolisaatio, often referred to as chemoembolization or TACE, is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure used to treat certain types of cancer, primarily liver cancer and some metastatic tumors to the liver. It involves delivering a high concentration of chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor site while simultaneously blocking the blood supply to the tumor.

The procedure begins with the insertion of a catheter, typically through an artery in the groin, which is then guided to the blood vessels supplying the tumor. Once the catheter is in place, a mixture of chemotherapy agents is injected. Simultaneously, small particles, such as gelatin sponge or microspheres, are injected to embolize, or block, these feeding arteries. This dual action aims to maximize the tumor-killing effect of the chemotherapy while minimizing systemic side effects. The blockage of blood supply also deprives the tumor of oxygen and nutrients, contributing to its destruction.

TACE is generally performed under local anesthesia. Patients may experience temporary side effects like fatigue, nausea, and pain at the injection site. The effectiveness of chemoembolization is assessed through imaging scans. It is often used when surgery is not an option or as a bridge to transplantation. The specific chemotherapy drugs and embolic agents used can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer.