Transarterial Embolization
Transarterial embolization (TAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. It involves the placement of a catheter in the hepatic artery and delivering chemoembolic agents, such as alcohol, lipiodol, or doxycycline, to the tumor site. Transarterial embolization aims to provide localized liver cyst therapy with minimal systemic side effects.
This procedure effectively treats hepatocellular carcinoma, with objective response rates ranging from 20-70%. Response rates depend on factors such as tumor size, location, and extent of vascular invasion. Patients with smaller liver cysts without vascular invasion have the highest response rates. Transarterial embolization is considered the first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in some cases and may be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy in other cases, such as simple and complex liver cysts.
After transarterial embolization, patients are closely monitored in the recovery room for one to two hours before being discharged home on the same day. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for one week after embolization and must follow up with their treating hepatologist or interventional radiologist two to four weeks after treatment.
