Liver cancer is a malignant disease that develops in liver tissue and can progress rapidly if not treated appropriately. Today, advances in medical technology allow liver cancer patients to access more modern treatment options without undergoing open surgery. In addition to Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), one of the latest innovations available is TARE Y-90 (Transarterial Radioembolization), a nuclear-based liver cancer therapy that works in a targeted and highly precise manner.
At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, nuclear-based liver cancer therapy using TARE Y-90 is performed directly by an experienced interventional radiology consultant, dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, supported by state-of-the-art medical imaging technology.
TARE Y-90 therapy delivers radiation directly to the tumor through blood vessels, allowing optimal destruction of cancer cells without damaging healthy liver tissue. This minimally invasive procedure offers a shorter recovery time and can be combined with other cancer therapies for more optimal treatment outcomes. These advantages make TARE Y-90 one of the modern treatment options to help control liver cancer and improve patients’ quality of life.
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Understanding Nuclear-Based Liver Cancer Therapy TARE Y-90 at Mandaya Puri Hospital
TARE Y-90 is an internal radiation therapy used to treat liver cancer. The term “Y-90” refers to Yttrium-90, a radioactive (nuclear) substance utilized as the radiation source in this procedure.
During TARE Y-90 treatment, the doctor inserts microscopic beads containing Yttrium-90 into the blood vessels that supply blood to the liver tumor. Once the beads reach the tumor tissue, they release a high dose of radiation over a very short distance, effectively destroying cancer cells while keeping the surrounding healthy liver tissue safe.
This nuclear-based liver cancer therapy has been proven effective in helping shrink tumor size and control cancer growth. With better disease control, patients may achieve longer life expectancy, fewer symptoms, and improved quality of life.
Who Can Undergo TARE Y-90 Therapy?
Nuclear therapy TARE Y-90 may be an option for patients with primary liver cancer as well as cancers that have spread to the liver from other organs (metastatic cancer).
This method is generally recommended when surgery is not feasible, such as when the tumor is located close to major blood vessels or when there is a high risk of liver damage from surgical intervention. In these situations, TARE Y-90 plays a role in slowing tumor growth while preserving liver function.
In certain cases, Y-90 therapy may also be used as an initial step to create opportunities for further curative treatments, such as surgery or liver transplantation in the future.
Nuclear-Based Liver Cancer Therapy Procedure TARE Y-90
TARE Y-90 therapy consists of two main stages: a mapping angiogram and the injection of the Y-90 nuclear substance. These two stages are usually performed about two weeks apart and are guided by medical imaging to ensure procedural accuracy.
1. Mapping Angiogram
The mapping angiogram aims to identify the blood vessels supplying blood flow to the liver tumor. Based on this mapping, the doctor can determine the optimal pathway to deliver the Y-90 beads.
At this stage, the doctor will:
- Make a small incision in the groin or wrist area after administering local anesthesia
- Insert a small catheter into the blood vessel and monitor it using imaging guidance
- Inject contrast material to clearly visualize the blood vessel pathway to the tumor
- Complete the procedure by closing the incision without the need for stitches
The mapping angiogram procedure generally takes about 2–4 hours.
2. Y-90 Nuclear Injection Procedure
This stage is the main component of TARE Y-90 therapy. The doctor injects millions of tiny radioactive Y-90 beads through the blood vessels that were mapped previously.
These beads accumulate in the tumor area, block blood flow to cancer tissue, and release high-dose radiation over a short range. With this mechanism, radiation effects are focused on the tumor while surrounding healthy tissue remains protected.
This procedure typically takes about 1–2 hours. Most of the radiation is released within the first 10 days after treatment and gradually decreases over time. The decayed Y-90 beads remain safe within the patient’s body.
Advantages of Nuclear-Based Liver Cancer Therapy TARE Y-90
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Targeted and precise therapy
Radiation is delivered directly to the tumor, maximizing cancer cell destruction while optimally protecting healthy liver tissue.
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Minimally invasive without surgery
The procedure is performed through a small incision under local anesthesia, resulting in minimal pain, lower complication risk, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
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Can be combined with other therapies
TARE Y-90 can be combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other cancer treatments for more comprehensive results.
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Potential to improve life expectancy
Various studies show that radioembolization therapy can help improve disease control and survival rates in selected liver cancer patients.
TARE Y-90 Therapy at Mandaya Puri Hospital Performed by an Expert Doctor
Nuclear-based liver cancer therapy TARE Y-90 at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is performed by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. He completed his medical education at Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, and continued his radiology specialist training at the University of Indonesia.
As an interventional radiologist, dr. Sugi is experienced in managing various complex medical conditions without open surgery, including liver cancer. His expertise includes:
- 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 modern medical technology and expertise in minimally invasive procedures, dr. Sugi provides safer, more precise, and more effective liver cancer treatments at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, including 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.
