When is TACE Recommended?

• Primary Liver Cancer (HCC): Standard treatment for patients unsuitable for surgery.

• Metastatic Liver Tumors: In selected cases where the cancer has spread to the liver.

• Bridging Therapy: To control tumor growth while awaiting liver transplantation.

• Palliative Care: To shrink or slow tumors, improving quality of life in advanced disease.

How is TACE Performed?

1. A catheter is inserted through the groin (femoral artery) or wrist (radial artery).

2. Guided to the hepatic artery supplying the tumor.

3. Chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the tumor’s blood supply.

4. Embolic agents (gel foam, drug-eluting beads, or microspheres) are released to block blood flow.

5. The drug remains trapped in the tumor, maximizing effectiveness.

Typical procedure time: 1–2 hours
Hospital stay: 1–3 days, depending on patient condition

Benefits of TACE

• Localized drug delivery → fewer systemic side effects.

• Effective in slowing or shrinking tumor growth.

• Can prolong survival in intermediate or advanced liver cancer.

• Outpatient or short-stay procedure, less invasive than surgery.

Risks and Side Effects

• Post-embolization syndrome: Fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue (usually temporary).

• Rare but possible: bleeding, infection, or injury to blood vessels.

• In patients with poor liver function, risk of worsening liver health.

Cost of TACE in India

The cost of Transarterial Chemoembolization in India depends on factors such as hospital type, location, number of sessions, and the use of specialized embolic materials like drug-eluting beads.

Table 1: Average TACE Cost in India

Factors Affecting TACE Cost

1. Type of embolic agent used – conventional vs. drug-eluting beads.

2. Hospital and city – metro private hospitals are more expensive than smaller centers.

3. Number of sessions required – depends on tumor size, spread, and response.

4. Supportive care – ICU stay, medications, or management of complications.

5. Additional diagnostics – MRI, CT, PET-CT, and liver function tests add to overall expenses.