Liver cancer is one of the most serious types of cancer, as it is often detected at an advanced stage and requires precise and comprehensive treatment. Along with advancements in medical technology, various modern treatment methods are now available to improve therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining patients’ quality of life. Responding to this need, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri introduces TARE Y-90 (Transarterial Radioembolization Yttrium-90) therapy for liver cancer. With this innovation, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri becomes the first hospital in Indonesia to offer liver cancer treatment using this advanced method.
TARE Y-90 therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that directly targets cancer cells by delivering radiation to the blood vessels supplying tumors in the liver. Through this highly precise approach, the therapy aims to reduce tumor size, control cancer progression, and achieve optimal outcomes with lower risks compared to conventional treatment methods.
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TARE Y-90 Therapy, an Innovation in Liver Cancer Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
TARE Y-90 is a modern radiation therapy used to treat liver cancer. The term “Y-90” refers to Yttrium-90, a radioactive substance that plays a central role in this treatment procedure.
During the procedure, doctors deliver microscopic particles containing Yttrium-90 into the blood vessels that supply nutrients to liver tumors. Once these particles reach the tumor site, they emit high-dose radiation that directly destroys cancer cells, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy liver tissue.
This targeted approach has proven effective in reducing tumor size and controlling cancer growth. With better disease control, patients may experience longer survival, fewer symptoms, and a better overall quality of life.
Patient Criteria for Y-90 Therapy
TARE Y-90 therapy may be an option for patients with cancer that originates in the liver (primary liver cancer) or cancer that has spread to the liver from other organs (metastatic cancer). This therapy is also often recommended for patients who are not eligible for surgery.
In certain cases, tumors are located too close to major blood vessels, making surgical removal risky due to the potential for severe liver damage. In such situations, Y-90 therapy plays a crucial role in slowing tumor growth while preserving liver function.
Interestingly, in some cases, Y-90 therapy can be used as an initial treatment that opens opportunities for future curative interventions, such as surgery or liver transplantation.
Stages of the TARE Y-90 Procedure for Liver Cancer
The TARE Y-90 procedure is carried out in two main stages: vascular mapping angiography and Y-90 particle injection. These stages are typically performed approximately two weeks apart and are conducted by a medical team led by an interventional radiology specialist using advanced imaging guidance.
1. Blood Vessel Mapping Angiography
The initial stage involves an angiogram to map the blood vessels supplying the liver tumor. This mapping is a critical reference for doctors to determine the optimal pathway for delivering Y-90 particles.
The procedure begins with a small incision in the groin or wrist area to access a major blood vessel. After administering local anesthesia, the doctor inserts a small catheter and guides it precisely using imaging technology. A contrast agent is then injected to clearly visualize the blood vessels leading to the tumor.
Once the examination is completed, the catheter is removed and the incision site is covered with a bandage. Because the incision is very small, stitches are usually not required, and scarring is minimal. This mapping process typically takes about 2–4 hours.
2. Y-90 Injection Process
The next stage is the main procedure, which involves injecting Y-90 particles. The process is similar to the mapping angiogram, but this time the doctor delivers millions of microscopic radioactive particles into the blood vessels that have already been mapped.
These particles lodge in the tumor area, blocking blood flow to the cancer tissue while emitting radiation with a very limited range. This mechanism maximizes cancer cell destruction while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
The Y-90 injection procedure usually takes about 1–2 hours. Most of the radiation is released within the first 10 days after the procedure and then gradually decreases. The decayed particles remain safe and do not pose harm to the patient’s body.
Benefits and Advantages of TARE Y-90 Therapy
1. Targeted Approach
Radioembolization delivers radiation directly to liver tumors, allowing optimal destruction of cancer cells while sparing healthy liver tissue. This targeted approach helps improve treatment effectiveness and patient quality of life.
2. Minimally Invasive Procedure
TARE Y-90 therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that requires only a small incision and local anesthesia. As a result, patients experience less pain, shorter recovery times, and a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery.
3. Can Be Combined with Other Therapies
Radioembolization can be combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy, providing a more comprehensive and integrated treatment approach.
4. Potential to Improve Survival Rates
Various studies have shown that TARE Y-90 therapy may improve survival rates and disease control in selected patients with liver cancer or liver metastases, especially when combined with other treatment modalities.
TARE Y-90 Therapy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri Is Performed by an Experienced Specialist
TARE Y-90 therapy services at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri are handled by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology and extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures guided by advanced imaging technology. He completed his general medical education at Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, and continued his radiology specialty training at the University of Indonesia.
As an interventional radiologist, dr. Sugianto Santoso treats various complex medical conditions without the need for open surgery, including liver cancer. His expertise includes Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for thyroid nodules, Microwave Ablation (MWA) for tumors and liver cancer, Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), cryoablation, Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), as well as brain aneurysm treatment using coiling techniques, flow diverters, and stent placement.
With the support of advanced medical technology and high expertise in minimally invasive procedures, dr. Sugianto Santoso offers safer, more precise, and more effective liver cancer treatment options at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, including TARE Y-90 therapy and other interventional treatments.
dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI is available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
To make your visit more convenient, use the Chat feature via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application available for download on Google Play and the App Store to manage appointments, check queue numbers, and access complete information.
