Transarterial Radioembolization

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) refers to the delivery of radioactive microspheres directly into an artery that perfuses a tumor or tumor-bearing tissue. In current clinical practice, radioembolization is employed almost exclusively for liver tumors, which include primary liver tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic tumors to the liver. The radioactive microspheres become lodged within and around the tumor, resulting in tumor cell death through the effects of radiation. TARE is an outpatient procedure that provides favorable and often dramatic clinical outcomes across the spectrum of hepatic tumors. The procedure is well tolerated with few side effects.