Application of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Transarterial Chemoinfusion (TACI) in Sarcoma: A Case Series

Abstract: Sarcomas are rare cancers with a dismal prognosis, and are still a great challenge for surgeons. Moreover, the development of treatment methods for sarcomas is currently heterogeneous. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a procedure that combines embolization and transarterial infusion chemotherapy (TACI). It targets the tumor bed with high doses of cytotoxic medicines while also inducing ischemia necrosis through arterial embolization. We presented a case series of patients treated with TACE and TACI for sarcoma. Two male patients with soft tissue sarcoma treated at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado. A 48-year-old male patient presented clinically with pain sensation and venectation in the right chest area, was diagnosed with thoracic soft tissue sarcoma. Another 72-year-old male complained of a painful lump and ulcers at the right flank area was diagnosed with right flank sarcoma. Both of these patients underwent the TACE and TACI procedure. Treatment outcome was assessed by examining the clinical morphology of the lesions and which showed a significant tumor reduction. According to the medical literature, TACE and TACI can benefit some patients, but TACE therapy's effectiveness in treating advanced STS, however, remains debatable. In conclusion, TACE and TACI were used as therapies in the two cases described, with a focus on the most recent developments and discussion of the need for more research to increase the efficacy of therapies. Keywords: transcatheter arterial chemoembolization; transarterial infusion chemotherapy; sarcoma