Targeted Cancer Treatment with TARE
TARE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting tiny radioactive beads (microspheres) into the blood vessels that feed the tumor in the liver. These beads are typically loaded with a radioactive substance, such as Yttrium-90 (Y-90). The microspheres become lodged in the small blood vessels of the tumor, delivering targeted radiation directly to the tumor cells, while sparing the surrounding healthy liver tissue.
The goal of TARE is to shrink or control liver tumors, often when surgery or other treatments are not an option. It can be used either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy or surgery.
What Is The Tare?
TARE (Transarterial Radioembolization) is a minimally invasive, advanced technology-based method used in the treatment of liver cancer. This therapy is typically applied when surgical intervention or other treatment options are not feasible. TARE involves delivering radiation directly to the tumor via microspheres administered through the hepatic artery. It stands out for its ability to target the cancerous area without damaging surrounding tissues.
Advantages of TARE Treatment
- Selective Targeting: TARE preserves healthy liver tissue by focusing exclusively on tumor cells.
- Minimal Side Effects: Patients experience fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
- Quick Recovery: The short recovery time allows patients to resume daily activities rapidly.
- Preparation for Advanced Treatments: TARE serves as an effective preparatory option for liver transplants or surgical interventions.
Who Is It Suitable For?
This therapy is ideal for patients diagnosed with liver cancer confined to the liver. It is also effective in treating certain cancer types that have metastasized to the liver. A thorough pre-treatment evaluation considers the patient’s overall health, tumor size, and location to determine suitability.
Why Is TARE (Transarterial Radioembolization) Performed?
TARE is a method used in the treatment of liver tumors. This procedure is performed by placing radioactive microspheres into the arteries that feed the tumor. These spheres destroy tumor cells by emitting radiation directly to them.
The reasons why TARE is preferred include:
- Targeted treatment: It focuses only on tumor cells, the risk of damaging healthy tissues is low.
- Minimally invasive: It does not require major surgery, it has fewer side effects.
- In addition to other treatments: It can be used in addition to other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or in cases that are not suitable for them.
- Improves quality of life: It can help reduce symptoms that reduce the patient's quality of life.
How is TARE Performed?
TARE (Transarterial Radioembolization) is a highly advanced method used in the treatment of liver tumors. In this procedure, radioactive microspheres are placed directly into the arteries that feed the tumor with the help of a special catheter. These spheres destroy the tumor cells by giving them high doses of radiation.
Steps of the TARE Procedure:
- Preparation: A detailed evaluation of the patient is performed before the procedure. The general condition of the patient and the characteristics of the tumor are determined with various examinations such as blood tests and imaging methods (CT, MRI, angiography).
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or sedation is usually applied to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure.
- Catheter Placement: A small incision is made in the groin area and the femoral artery (thigh artery) is found. A special catheter placed here is advanced to the liver artery under X-ray imaging.
- Injection of Radioactive Microspheres: After the catheter tip is placed in the artery that feeds the tumor, radioactive microspheres are injected into the vein. These spheres move into the tumor with the blood flow and settle there, where they begin to emit radiation.
- Completion of the Procedure: After all the spheres are injected, the catheter is removed and the incision is closed.
How Long Does TARE Take?
The TARE procedure varies depending on the patient's condition and the size of the tumor, but usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours. Before the procedure, the patient's groin area is anesthetized and the liver artery is reached by entering the femoral artery with a small incision.
Post-TARE Process
The post-TARE process may vary depending on the patient's general condition. After the procedure, the patient is usually kept under observation in the hospital for a few hours.
- First few days: Mild pain, swelling and bruising may be seen in the area where the procedure was performed. This can be controlled with painkillers recommended by your doctor.
- Rest: It is important to rest for a few days after the procedure.
- Controls: Regular doctor check-ups should be performed after TARE. During these check-ups, the size and spread of the tumor are evaluated.
Side effects: Some patients may experience side effects such as mild fever, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. These side effects are usually temporary.
TARE Treatment at Liv Hospital
At our hospital, TARE therapy is performed by experienced nuclear medicine and interventional radiology specialists using state-of-the-art technologies. The treatment process is meticulously planned by a multidisciplinary team, ensuring a personalized approach for each patient. Through this innovative method, our patients experience both effective and comfortable cancer care.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .