What is the focus of TACE procedures?

The focus of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) procedures is the direct treatment of tumors, specifically those found in the liver. TACE combines two key therapeutic modalities: chemotherapy and embolization, where a chemotherapeutic agent is delivered directly into the tumor's blood supply, accompanied by the intentional blockage of those vessels. This dual approach allows for localized treatment, maximizing the concentration of the chemotherapy agent at the tumor site while minimizing systemic exposure and potential side effects.

In TACE, the procedure targets liver tumors—often in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic disease—making it a vital intervention in interventional radiology aimed at curbing tumor growth and improving patient outcomes. The effectiveness of TACE lies in its capability to starve the tumor of essential blood supply while simultaneously delivering high doses of chemotherapy directly to the malignant cells, resulting in a therapeutic effect that can lead to tumor necrosis and shrinkage.

The other choices represent different aspects of medical imaging and treatment but do not encapsulate the specific aim of TACE procedures, which is focused directly on the treatment of tumors rather than imaging, sampling, or vascular access.