Liver Cancer: Does TACE Treatment Lead to Cancer Spread?

Transarterial cholangioembolization (TACE) is a commonly used treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. Since HCC primarily receives blood supply from the hepatic artery, TACE works by blocking this blood flow and delivering chemotherapy directly to the tumor site.

However, it's important to understand that TACE is a palliative procedure, not a curative one. While it can effectively shrink tumors and control disease progression, it does not eliminate all cancer cells. As a result, some tumor cells may survive and potentially spread through the vascular connections within the liver.

Despite this limitation, TACE can offer significant benefits. In cases where the tumor responds well to treatment and the remaining liver tissue is healthy enough to compensate, patients may become eligible for surgical resection. This means the tumor could potentially be removed completely if the post-treatment evaluation shows favorable conditions.

For patients with advanced liver disease or those who meet specific criteria, liver transplantation remains an option after successful TACE treatment. This approach is particularly considered when the cancer is contained within the liver and hasn't spread to other organs.

In summary, while there is a possibility of cancer cell spread following TACE due to residual disease, the procedure can still play a crucial role in managing liver cancer and potentially opening doors to more definitive treatments like surgery or transplantation.