Transarterial Chemo-embolization:

Also referred to as TACE. Chemotherapy is delivered directly to the tumor deposits within the liver. This is done during a procedure called an angiogram. Angiography refers to the placement of catheters inside the blood vessels. These catheters are followed using a fluoroscope and directed into the arteries that feed the liver and then into the vessels feeding the liver tumors. Chemotherapeutic drugs are mixed with agents that trap the drug inside the liver/tumor prolonging its contact time with the tumor and cutting off the tumor's blood supply in one step. This enhaces the effect of the chemotherapy allowing lower doses to be used and sparing the patient some of the side-effects of systemic chemotherapy.