TACE — Transarterial Chemoembolization

Key Facts at a Glance

30-year track record
Overall survival benefit shown in 2 randomized controlled trials

What is TACE?

TACE (Transarterial ChemoEmbolization) combines two complementary mechanisms: intra-arterial injection of chemotherapy (targeted delivery to the tumour) followed by embolization (blocking the tumour blood supply). The result: high local drug concentration + ischaemia = tumour death.

TACE is the standard of care for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC — BCLC B), with demonstrated survival benefit in two landmark randomised controlled trials. It is also used for liver metastases from colorectal cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, uveal melanoma, and others.

cTACE vs DEB-TACE

💊 Conventional TACE (cTACE)

Lipiodol® mixed with chemotherapy (doxorubicin, cisplatin, mitomycin) injected intra-arterially, followed by embolization. 30-year track record. cTACE has demonstrated OS benefit in 2 RCTs.

🔴 DEB-TACE (Drug-Eluting Beads)

Microspheres pre-loaded with doxorubicin (DC Bead®). Sustained drug release in the tumour over days–weeks. Reduced systemic chemotherapy exposure and side effects. Equivalent efficacy to cTACE in most studies.

→ TACE at Cochin AP-HP → HCC treatment → Y90 radioembolization

🇫🇷 French version: tace-chimio-embolisation-definition.html

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.

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TACE — Transarterial Chemoembolization: Principles & Results