Pancreatic Cancer Treatment with Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) - 2 sessions | Uniclinic Frankfurt, Germany

Treatment of primary pancreatic tumors and pancreatic metastases. It combines two therapeutic approaches: chemotherapy and embolization. Here's a detailed description of how TACE is performed:Pre-procedural Assessment: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, which may include blood tests, imaging studies (such as CT scans or MRI), and consultation with specialists to determine the extent and characteristics of the tumor(s). Patient Preparation: On the day of the procedure, the patient is prepared for the TACE intervention. This typically involves placing an intravenous (IV) line for administering medications and fluids, as well as monitoring devices to track vital signs throughout the procedure. Anesthesia: Depending on the specific protocol and patient condition, TACE may be performed under local or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia is usually made in consultation with an anesthesiologist. Arterial Access: A small incision is made in the groin area, and a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted into a large artery, typically the femoral artery. Guided by fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging), the catheter is carefully advanced through the arterial system until it reaches the arteries supplying blood to the pancreas. Angiography: Once the catheter is positioned correctly, contrast dye is injected through the catheter to visualize the blood vessels feeding the pancreatic tumor(s). This angiographic imaging helps the interventional radiologist precisely identify the arterial branches supplying the tumor and plan the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy Infusion: After identifying the target blood vessels, a mixture containing chemotherapy drugs (such as doxorubicin, mitomycin, or gemcitabine) is injected directly into the arteries feeding the tumor. The chemotherapy agents are typically mixed with a contrast medium to enhance their visibility on imaging studies. The goal is to deliver high concentrations of chemotherapy directly to the tumor while minimizing systemic side effects. Embolization: Following the chemotherapy infusion, embolic agents are injected through the catheter to block the blood flow to the tumor and surrounding vessels. Embolic materials can include tiny particles (e. g. , microspheres or beads) or gels that obstruct the blood vessels, effectively trapping the chemotherapy within the tumor and depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Post-procedural Care: After the chemotherapy infusion and embolization, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the arterial access site to prevent bleeding. The patient is closely monitored in a recovery area for several hours to ensure stability and manage any potential post-procedural complications. Follow-up: Patients typically undergo follow-up imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRI, to assess the response to TACE treatment and monitor for tumor progression or recurrence. Additional TACE sessions may be scheduled based on the patient's response and disease status. Overall, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) offers a targeted and localized approach to treating primary pancreatic tumors and pancreatic metastases. It aims to achieve tumor shrinkage or stabilization while minimizing systemic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. It is often used as part of a multimodal treatment strategy in conjunction with surgery, radiation therapy, or other systemic therapies, depending on the specific characteristics of the tumor and the patient's overall health.