TACE
Pronunciation: TAYSS
Also written as: TACE — Transarterial Chemoembolization
Interventional oncology procedure combining arterial chemotherapy delivery with vessel occlusion.
Full Definition
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an interventional oncology procedure that combines selective delivery of chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumors via their arterial blood supply, followed by embolization to trap the drugs within the tumor and reduce blood flow. The procedure involves catheter-based navigation to the tumor-feeding arteries, typically hepatic arteries for liver tumors, followed by injection of chemotherapy mixed with embolic material such as drug-eluting beads or oil-based contrast agents. TACE is commonly used for treating hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases from various primary cancers. The technique aims to achieve higher local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic toxicity, and the embolization component enhances drug retention and induces tumor ischemia.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as acronym; spell out on first use in formal documents
In Context
- "The patient with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma underwent TACE using drug-eluting beads." — Interventional oncology report
- "TACE was recommended as bridge therapy prior to liver transplantation." — Multidisciplinary team meeting notes