The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) with Y-90 Microspheres

Image-guided locoregional therapy delivering high-dose radiation directly to liver tumors via the hepatic artery.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) with Y-90 Microspheres?

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE), also called selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), is a minimally invasive image-guided treatment in which microspheres labeled with the beta-emitting isotope yttrium-90 are infused into the hepatic artery feeding a tumor.

Liver tumors derive most of their blood supply from the hepatic artery while normal hepatic parenchyma is supplied predominantly by the portal vein, allowing preferential tumor irradiation. Y-90 microspheres lodge in the tumor microvasculature, delivering targeted internal beta radiation over about 10 days.

Indications include unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer, neuroendocrine metastases, and bridging or downstaging before transplant. A pre-treatment Tc-99m MAA mapping study is required to assess shunting and tumor uptake.

Symptoms

Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer
Neuroendocrine liver metastases
Bridge or downstage to transplant
Salvage after chemotherapy failure
Multifocal disease not amenable to ablation

Risk Factors

Cirrhosis and underlying liver disease
Tumor burden and vascularity
Adequate liver function (Child-Pugh A or early B)
Lung shunt fraction <20% (risk of radiation pneumonitis)
Patent portal vein (or partial)
Bilirubin <2 mg/dL preferred
Performance status ECOG 0-2

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Hepatic mass not amenable to surgery or ablation
  • Liver-dominant cancer progressing on systemic therapy
  • Bridging therapy before liver transplant
  • Symptomatic liver metastases (pain, hormone secretion)
  • Need for downstaging unresectable disease
  • After failure of TACE
  • Multidisciplinary tumor board recommendation

Treatment Methods

01
Pre-treatment Tc-99m MAA mapping with coil embolization of extrahepatic vessels
02
Y-90 administration (resin or glass microspheres)
03
Outpatient or 24-hour observation
04
Bremsstrahlung or PET/CT post-therapy imaging
05
Follow-up imaging at 1, 3 and 6 months
06
Combined with systemic therapy in selected cases
07
Multidisciplinary planning and follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Radyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

What Is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

Radyoloji

MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and is the gold standard for imaging the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs.

What Is CT (Computed Tomography)?

Radyoloji

Computed tomography provides rapid, detailed cross-sectional images in emergency, trauma, and oncology cases.

What Is Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)?

Radyoloji

Ultrasonography is radiation-free and is widely used in pregnancy follow-up and the evaluation of abdominal organs and superficial tissues.

What Is an X-ray (Plain Radiograph)?

Radyoloji

X-ray is the oldest and most widely used radiologic test, providing rapid diagnosis in bone and lung pathologies.

Mammography

Radyoloji

Mammography is specialized low-dose X-ray imaging of breast tissue that detects cancer, often before clinical palpation, and is the primary tool for breast cancer screening in women 40 and older per ACR/ESR guidelines.

Doppler Ultrasound

Radyoloji

Doppler USG is critical for evaluating deep vein thrombosis, carotid stenosis, and organ blood flow.

Angiography

Radyoloji

Angiography examines all vascular systems in the body in detail, especially the cardiac and cerebral vessels.

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography)

Radyoloji

PET-CT combines metabolic activity with anatomical imaging in cancer staging and treatment-response evaluation.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.