📖 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.
🔗 Related pages
🇫🇷 French version: tace-chimio-embolisation-definition.html