Abstract
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard practice in treating
both primary and metastatic liver neoplasms. TACE is a practical, minimally invasive
procedure involving the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into the artery supplying
a tumor while simultaneously embolizing its blood supply. This approach can be used
for curative and palliative intent across multiple cancer types. Historically, TACE
has been instrumental in the treatment algorithms for hepatocellular carcinoma, allowing
patients with unresectable disease to be downstaged and to slow disease progression,
affording opportunities for transplantation and increased survival. Although benefits
of TACE include lower morbidity and mortality versus systemic chemotherapy and surgical
approaches, the procedure has risks and complications. Interventional radiologists
and physicians involved in the care of these patients should be aware of the associated
complications including avoidance and treatment strategies.
Keywords
hepatocellular carcinoma - transarterial chemoembolization - transcatheter locoregional
therapy - complications
