Liver cancer is a serious disease caused by the growth of malignant cells in the liver. If not treated properly, this condition can progress rapidly and affect vital organ function. Fortunately, advancements in modern medicine now provide more sophisticated treatment options that do not always require open surgery.
In addition to Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), TARE Y-90 (Transarterial Radioembolization) is now available as a modern therapy that utilizes nuclear material to target tumors in a controlled and precise manner. At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, this nuclear-based liver cancer therapy is performed by an interventional radiology consultant, dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, supported by advanced medical imaging facilities.
Through this technique, radiation is delivered directly to the tumor area via blood vessels, allowing maximum destruction of cancer cells while preserving healthy liver tissue. As a minimally invasive procedure, patients generally experience faster recovery and may undergo combination therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness. These advantages make TARE Y-90 one of the modern solutions for liver cancer management.
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What Is Nuclear-Based Liver Cancer Therapy TARE Y-90?
TARE Y-90 is a form of internal radiation therapy specifically used to treat liver cancer. The term “Y-90” refers to Yttrium-90, a radioactive (nuclear) substance that serves as the radiation source in this procedure.
During the therapy, the doctor delivers microscopic particles containing Yttrium-90 into the blood vessels supplying the liver tumor. These particles then release radiation over a very short range, focusing the therapeutic effect on cancer cells while minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
This approach has been shown to help reduce tumor size and control cancer progression. With better disease control, patients may achieve improved quality of life, milder symptoms, and longer life expectancy.
Who Is Suitable for TARE Y-90 Therapy?
TARE Y-90 therapy may be considered for patients with:
- Primary liver cancer (originating in the liver), or
- Cancer that has spread to the liver from other organs (metastatic cancer).
This method is generally recommended when surgery is not feasible, such as when the tumor location poses a high risk or when liver conditions do not allow surgical intervention. In such cases, Y-90 therapy helps slow tumor progression while maintaining optimal liver function.
In some patients, this therapy may also serve as an initial step before further potentially curative treatments, such as surgery or liver transplantation.
Stages of Nuclear-Based TARE Y-90 Therapy for Liver Cancer
The TARE Y-90 treatment process consists of two main stages, performed sequentially and guided by advanced imaging technology to ensure procedural accuracy.
1. Mapping Angiogram
This stage is conducted to study the pattern of blood vessels supplying the tumor. The information obtained is used to determine the most effective route for delivering Y-90 particles.
During this procedure, the doctor will:
- Create a small access point in the groin or wrist area under local anesthesia
- Insert a catheter into the blood vessel and monitor it using imaging guidance
- Use contrast material to clearly visualize blood flow toward the tumor
- Close the access site without stitches due to the very small incision
The mapping process typically takes approximately 2–4 hours.
2. Injection of Y-90 Nuclear Material
In the main treatment stage, the doctor delivers millions of radioactive Y-90 particles through the blood vessels that have been mapped previously. These particles accumulate in the tumor area, block blood supply to cancer cells, and emit focused radiation to destroy malignant tissue.
The procedure lasts about 1–2 hours. Most radiation is released within approximately 10 days after treatment and gradually decreases over time. The decayed particles remain safe within the patient’s body.
Advantages of Nuclear-Based Liver Cancer Therapy TARE Y-90
1. More targeted therapy
Radiation is focused directly on the tumor, increasing the effectiveness of cancer cell destruction while maximally protecting healthy tissue.
2. No major surgery required
Because only a small incision is needed, the risk of pain, complications, and prolonged recovery is significantly lower compared to conventional surgery.
3. Flexible for combination therapy
TARE Y-90 can be combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other treatment modalities for a more comprehensive approach.
4. Potential to improve prognosis
Several studies indicate that radioembolization can help improve disease control and survival outcomes in selected liver cancer patients.
Performed by an Experienced Interventional Radiologist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
TARE Y-90 therapy at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is performed by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, a radiology specialist with expertise in interventional radiology. He completed his medical education at Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, and continued his radiology specialization at the University of Indonesia.
In his clinical practice, dr. Sugi performs various minimally invasive, image-guided procedures, including:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for thyroid nodule treatment
- Microwave Ablation (MWA) for tumor and liver cancer therapy
- Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancer treatment
- Cryoablation for nodules and tumors
- Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) for diagnosis and treatment of brain aneurysms
- Brain aneurysm management using coiling techniques, flow diverters, and stent placement
With the support of cutting-edge technology and professional expertise, Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital provides safer, more precise, and more effective liver cancer treatment options through nuclear-based TARE Y-90 therapy.
Schedule of dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital:
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WIB)
To make your visit more convenient, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application available for download on Google Play and the App Store to manage appointments, view queue numbers, and access complete information.
