Interventional radiology · Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe

TACE in Karlsruhe

A tumor treatment via the supplying blood vessels.

TACE stands for transarterial chemoembolization. A catheter is used to deliver a chemotherapy drug and material that blocks blood vessels into the tumour’s blood supply. PD Dr. med. Jonathan Nadjiri and the team at Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe will discuss how this procedure fits into your cancer treatment.

Request a consultation about TACE Liver and biliary tract: overview

Access route: Over the arteries to the tumor
Classification: Local therapy, individually weighed in Multidisciplinary tumour board
Preparation: Image data, liver function and previous therapies

Who may be suitable for TACE?

One TACE may be considered in selected Liver tumours, in particular in certain forms of hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC for short. It can also play a role in selected Liver metastases. The diagnosis alone is not enough for a recommendation.

Tumor extension, liver function, vascular supply and previous Treatments determine the selection. The treatment team examines the possibilities related to the entire disease.

Medical references: [1] [2]

What happens during chemoembolization?

After local anaesthesia, a catheter is passed through an artery to the liver. X-ray imaging and contrast agent show the tumour vessels. The medication and embolic material are delivered as selectively as possible.

The combination of local drug delivery and reduced blood flow aims to limit tumour growth. Pain management and monitoring are part of the procedure. Whether several sessions are appropriate depends on the findings and progress.

Medical references: [1] [3]

TACE Ablation or SIRT – what is the difference?

In the case of Tumour ablation the target tissue is treated with heat or cold through a positioned probe. TACE works through the blood vessels. Radioembolization, also called SIRT, uses radioactive particles.

The methods are not arbitrarily interchangeable. Depending on the disease, surgery, transplantation, systemic drugs or radiation are also taken into account. Local treatment can complement other therapies; it is not a general cure commitment.

Medical references: [1] [3]

What burdens and risks are possible?

Pain, nausea and fever can occur after TACE. There are also risks associated with vascular access and contrast agents. Infection, deterioration of liver function and unintended blockage of vessels outside the tumour are possible serious complications.

Pre-existing conditions as well as previous interventions on the bile tracts must be discussed in advance. Benefits and risks are weighed for your specific situation.

Medical references: [1] [2] [3]

How is treatment success monitored?

Laboratory values and CT or MRI images help to assess tolerability and tumor progression. It will then be decided whether further meetings or other procedures are appropriate. If there is a significant deterioration after discharge, contact the treatment team.

Medical references: [1] [2]

Frequently asked questions to TACE

Is TACE the same as chemotherapy via the vein?

No. In TACE, the medication is delivered directly through the arteries supplying the tumour and combined with embolization. The oncology team decides whether systemic treatment is also needed.

What documents does the consultation need?

Particularly important are current image data, doctor’s letters on the tumor disease, laboratory values and existing Multidisciplinary tumour board recommendations. Also previous operations or Treatments on Liver and bile tracts should be documented.

Your next step

Personal advice in Karlsruhe

Provide CT/MRI image data, histological findings, previous therapy plan and laboratory values. The application explains the safe way of transmission.

Please also bring your current medication list and tell us about any known allergies. The reception team will explain which additional documents are needed and how imaging can be transferred securely. Only change your medication after consulting a doctor.

Privately insured and self-paying patients

Head physician’s office

0721 974-1901 Consultations and costs ↗

General appointment enquiries

Radiology patient reception

0721 974-1990 Contact and directions ↗

Treatment location: Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Moltkestraße 90, 76133 Karlsruhe. Two beds are available for short inpatient monitoring and interventional care. The type and duration of your stay depend on the procedure and your health.

An enquiry does not guarantee that an intervention will be offered. A personal consultation considers benefits, risks and alternatives. In an acute medical emergency, call 112.

Medical references & additional information

Scientific work involving PD Dr. Nadjiri

[Comparison of radiation exposure in common hepatic interventions : A retrospective analysis of DeGIR registry data]. (2021)

The works illuminate individual questions and do not prove a blanket effectiveness for each treatment case.

Editorially responsible: PD Dr. med. Jonathan Nadjiri · Editorial update: 26 September 2026. These texts were prepared with AI assistance using the linked medical references. They do not replace individual medical counselling.