Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE)

What is Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE)

Trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) is a minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer that delivers radiation directly to the tumor. The procedure induces small radiation beads, or microspheres, into the arteries supplying the tumor. This targeted approach allows for the delivery of very high doses of radiation to the cancerous tissue while sparing the surrounding healthy liver tissue. The aim of this surgery is to reduce the size of the tumors, control cancer growth, and increase the patients' lifespan.

Types of Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE) procedures

There are different types of TARE surgery based on the radioactive material embedded in microspheres and some of them include the following:

1.Yttrium-90(Y-90) Radioembolization is one of the most common types of TARE surgery, in which Y-90 primarily delivers radiation to the tumor cells.

2. Holmium-166 (Ho-166) Radioembolization is a novel alternative that enables both treatment radiation and imaging, thereby enhancing diagnosis and treatment evaluation.

Need for Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE) Procedures

Patients with liver cancer typically receive the following recommendations for surgery:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver disease that is most common and is associated with primary liver cancer.

Metastatic Liver Cancer: This refers to the spread of cancer from another location in the body to the liver.

Unresectable Tumors: For patients whose tumors are unsuitable for surgical resection or other localized treatments because of size, location, or number of tumors.

Preparing for Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE)

Patient Evaluation
Conducting a correct evaluation of the patient is crucial in determining their suitability for TARE surgery. This would involve:
Medical Histories Review: Information about the patient's overall health status, prior therapies, and current medications.
Physical Examination: A study of the patient's overall physical condition as well as his liver function.
Liver Function Tests: To make sure the liver would be able to handle the procedure and eventual radiation.

Pre-procedure Preparatory Instructions
Some general pre-procedure preparation instructions require that the patient follow them for a successful TARE surgery process.
Fasting: Before the procedure, patients must fast for a few hours. This often means not taking anything—no food or drink, including water—for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure. This is critical to avoiding potential complications during sedation and when inserting the catheter.

Medication Alteration:
Blood Thinners: Ideally, a patient should stop taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, aspirin, or any other anticoagulant, a few days before surgery to prevent excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.

Travel Arrangements:
Patients will be sedated during their procedure, preventing them from driving home. They should arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home, and someone should stay with them for the first 24 hours post-procedure to monitor recovery and provide necessary assistance.

Testing and imaging
- A CT scan or MRI helps to define the tumor's size and location, as well as its blood supply.
- Blood tests are necessary to evaluate liver and kidney function, verify the liver's proper operation, and identify any blood clotting issues.
- An angiography study aims to visualize the hepatic arteries and determine the optimal delivery method for microspheres through these vessels.

Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE) procedure

Step-by-step process
Preparing the patient: the patient is prepared with local anesthesia.
Catheterization: A catheter is placed in the femoral artery, and the blood vessels are followed to the hepatic artery.
Injection of Microspheres: The radioactive microspheres are injected into the vessel that nourishes the liver tumor.
Post-Administration Imaging: Microsphere placement is confirmed and the dose of radiation is verified.

Recovery Process
The TARE recovery process comprises multiple stages, which are as follows:
Immediate Recovery: The patient is kept in the recovery room under observation for some hours.
Short-term Recovery: Patients typically receive discharge the same day or the following day. Patients are advised to rest and not to undertake any heavy work for a few days.

Post-Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE) care

The post-procedure care involves:
Medication: The patient will receive prescriptions for pain relief, anti-nausea drugs, and occasionally antibiotics to prevent infection.
Follow-Up Appointments: The need to schedule regular check-ups on the patient post-surgery to see how he or she is coping and how effective the treatment is. These are typically, among other things, blood tests and scans.

Lifestyle Changes
There are some lifestyle changes that may be required post-TARE surgery:
Dietary Adjustments: The patient is placed on a liver-friendly diet with low fat and alcohol consumption.
Regular Exercise: simple exercises to be carried out regularly to ensure a positive and healthy lifestyle
Avoid hepatotoxic substances: avoid items that are harmful to the liver, which include some drugs and alcohol.

Risks and Complications

Although TARE is safe, there are a few risks and complications:
Post-embolization syndrome: pain, fever, and nausea.
Radiation-Induced Damage: The radiation may harm unaffected liver tissue.
Vascular complications: There may be blood clots or bleeding.
Blood clots or blood leakage at the catheter insertion site.

Success Rates and Outcomes

The success rates of TARE surgery, on the other hand, vary greatly depending on the type and stage of liver cancer.
Tumor Reduction: A substantial number of patients have reduced tumor size and growth.
Survival Rates: This surgery has the potential to improve survival, particularly for patients with minimal or no alternative treatments.
Quality of Life: Through symptom control and tumor management, most patients have improved their quality of life.

Conclusion

TARE is one of the state-of-the-art and most efficient treatment modalities for treating liver cancer. Researchers have found this approach to be highly specific in extending survival and improving patients' quality of life. Its minimally invasive nature and ability to precisely target tumors make it an important tool in the multidisciplinary management of liver cancer. Though associated with risks and not amenable to all patients, its benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks for many patients with liver cancer.

Why choose Continental Hospitals for Transarterial
Radioembolization (TARE)

Continental Hospitals is a premier healthcare institution known for its state-of-the-art facilities, expert medical staff, and comprehensive care across various specialties. With a patient-centered approach, advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and high success rates, here are the reasons why you can choose continental hospitals.

Patient Safety: Strict adherence to safety protocols and hygiene standards.

Support Services: Comprehensive support services include physiotherapy, counseling, and rehabilitation.

Research and Education: Involvement in cutting-edge medical research and continuous medical education.

International Patient Services: We provide specialized services for international patients, including language assistance and travel support.