Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) Procedure for HCC Patients
What is TARE Procedure? Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE), also known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), is a minimally invasive treatment option used for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. TARE involves delivering tiny radioactive beads directly into the tumor through the blood vessels, leading to targeted radiation therapy that aims to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy liver tissue.
Indications: TARE may be recommended for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the following situations
Preparation and Procedure
Before undergoing the TARE procedure, your healthcare team will provide specific instructions to prepare you adequately. This may include fasting for a certain period before the procedure and stopping certain medications.
Prior to the TARE procedure, you will undergo a series of tests, such as imaging scans and liver function tests, to assess your eligibility and plan the treatment. This evaluation helps the interventional radiologist determine the appropriate dosage and selectivity of the radioactive beads.
TARE is typically performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's specific needs and medical condition. This ensures your comfort and minimizes any discomfort during the procedure.
The interventional radiologist will make a small incision in your groin area and insert a catheter (thin tube) into an artery, typically the femoral artery. The catheter will be guided through the blood vessels until it reaches the hepatic artery, which supplies blood directly to the liver.
Once the catheter is positioned correctly, tiny radioactive beads, called microspheres, will be injected into the blood vessels that feed the tumor. These microspheres are loaded with a radioactive substance, such as yttrium-90, which emits radiation to destroy cancer cells.
After the microspheres are delivered, imaging scans, such as angiography or technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin (MAA) scan, may be performed to confirm the distribution of the microspheres and ensure accurate targeting of the tumor. Following the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area for a period before being discharged.
Post-Procedure and Recovery
After the TARE procedure, you may experience some side effects, which can vary from person to person. These may include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, or temporary changes in liver function tests. Your healthcare team will provide you with specific instructions on managing these side effects and any necessary medications.
It is crucial to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the TARE procedure and assess your overall condition. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, fever, bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms.