Liver cancer treatment without Surgery (cTACE/Balloon TACE)

Treating Liver Tumours with Targeted Therapy Using cTACE and Balloon-TACE

When chemotherapy is given through veins in the hand, the drug circulates throughout the body. Only about 5–10% actually reaches the tumor (EFFECT), while the rest exposes healthy tissues to toxicity (SIDE EFFECTS). But imagine if we could deliver the drug directly to the tumor by selectively accessing the blood vessels that feed it. In that case, the tumor would receive the maximum dose (EFFECT), while the rest of the body would be exposed to only a fraction (5-10%) of the drug, thereby reducing the SIDE EFFECTS, making treatment both more powerful and safer.
This modality is called transarterial chemo-embolisation. Targeted liver cancer treatment makes use of this principle to provide maximum benefit with minimal side effects. For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or tumours that cannot be removed surgically, image-guided therapies such as cTACE and Balloon-TACE offer highly effective and minimally invasive options. These treatments deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumour, helping control growth while preserving healthy liver tissue.
Conventional TACE, also called cTACE, works by guiding a thin catheter into the artery supplying the tumour. A mixture of chemotherapy and an oily contrast agent is then delivered directly into the tumour, followed by small particles that block the blood flow. This slows the tumour’s growth and increases the effect of the chemotherapy, while reducing the overall side-effects compared to systemic treatment.
Balloon-TACE is an advanced variation used when the tumour has a strong blood supply or when more precise delivery is needed. A special balloon catheter is positioned in the artery, and the balloon is gently inflated. This temporarily redirects blood flow from all surrounding tissues to the tumor and, allowing the chemotherapy mixture to stay inside the tumour for a longer time with lesser side-effects to the normal surrounding tissue. When done with precision, this can result in an effect similar to surgical excision of tumor.
Both procedures are performed through a pinhole entry, using real-time imaging for accuracy. Patients remain awake with light sedation, and most return home after a short observation period. Recovery is usually smooth, with patients resuming daily activities within a couple of days.
If you have been diagnosed with liver cancer or have been advised a non-surgical tumour treatment, early evaluation is essential. Targeted therapies like cTACE and Balloon-TACE can slow tumour growth, reduce symptoms, and preserve liver function with minimal downtime. Early assessment helps determine which treatment offers the best outcome for your individual condition.

Uterine fibroids are common benign growths in the uterus that can cause a wide range of symptoms — from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain to bloating and pressure on the bladder or bowel. Many women are told surgery is the only answer, but that’s not always the case. Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) is a safe, effective, and uterus-preserving option that treats fibroids without the need for hysterectomy or myomectomy.

This procedure is performed through a tiny puncture in the groin or wrist. Using real-time imaging, a thin catheter is guided into the uterine arteries that supply the fibroids. Once in position, small particles are delivered to block blood flow to the fibroids. Without a blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink, and symptoms begin to improve in the weeks and months that follow.

UFE is ideal for women who wish to avoid major surgery, retain their uterus, or need a faster recovery. It can also be considered for patients who are not suitable for surgery due to medical conditions or personal preferences. Most procedures are done under local anaesthesia with sedation, and patients usually return home the same day or after an overnight stay. Compared to surgical options, UFE involves less pain, fewer complications, and a significantly shorter recovery period.

Patients often report a noticeable improvement in symptoms within the first two to three menstrual cycles. The fibroids continue to shrink over time, and in most cases, the results are long-lasting. UFE does not involve any surgical cuts or stitches, and the uterus remains structurally intact. While fertility after UFE is possible, it is a topic best discussed during consultation, based on individual goals and medical factors.

If you’ve been advised to undergo surgery for fibroids, or are seeking a second opinion, UFE may offer the clarity and comfort you’re looking for. With the right guidance, you can make an informed decision that prioritises both your health and your preferences.

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