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Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radioembolization (TARE, Y-90) deliver treatment straight into the artery feeding the tumor, through a pinhole in the groin or wrist. No large cut, and healthy liver is spared as far as possible.
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Both are done by an interventional radiologist under X-ray guidance. A thin catheter is guided to the artery that feeds the tumor, and treatment is released right there.
Chemotherapy mixed with an oil-based agent is delivered into the tumor’s artery, which is then blocked with embolic particles. The drug stays concentrated in the tumor while its blood supply is cut off.
Tiny beads loaded with doxorubicin lodge in the tumor’s vessels and release the drug slowly, aiming for sustained local action with less drug reaching the rest of the body.
Millions of microscopic beads carrying yttrium-90 sit inside the tumor’s small vessels and give radiation from within, mostly to the tumor and little to the surrounding liver.
CT / MRI, blood tests and liver function review.
Catheter enters through the groin or wrist artery.
Drug and embolic agent released into the tumor’s artery.
Usually 1–2 days in hospital, repeat sessions if needed.
Mapping of liver arteries; protective coiling if needed.
A nuclear scan checks that treatment will stay in the liver.
Radioactive beads released into the tumor’s artery.
Usually day-care or 1 day; scans to track response.
A general comparison. Your doctor will advise what suits your tumor and liver health.
| TACE | TARE (Y-90) | |
|---|---|---|
| What is delivered | Chemotherapy + particles that block the artery | Radioactive yttrium-90 microspheres |
| Sessions | Often repeated at intervals | Often one or two planned treatments |
| Before treatment | Imaging and liver tests | Extra planning angiogram and safety scan |
| Anaesthesia | Local / light sedation | Local / light sedation |
| Hospital stay | Usually 1–2 days | Usually day-care or 1 day |
| Common side effects | Fever, pain, nausea, tiredness for a few days | Fatigue, mild nausea or abdominal discomfort |
| Often considered for | Intermediate-stage or multiple liver tumors | Selected larger tumors, or when TACE is not ideal |
The choice depends on tumor size, number, liver function and overall health. Individual results vary.
MBBS, MD (Radio-Diagnosis), EBIR
Chairperson & Senior Consultant, Interventional Radiology · Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Response depends on tumor type, size and liver function. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization delivers chemotherapy directly into the artery feeding a liver tumor and then blocks that artery, so the tumor receives a high drug dose while losing its blood supply.
Conventional TACE mixes the drug with an oil-based agent. DEB-TACE uses beads loaded with doxorubicin that release the drug gradually inside the tumor. Your doctor will choose based on your tumor and liver function.
Transcatheter arterial radioembolization places tiny beads containing radioactive yttrium-90 (SIR-Spheres) into the arteries feeding the tumor. The radiation acts from inside the tumor over a short distance.
A mapping angiogram and a nuclear scan check the liver’s blood vessels and make sure little of the treatment can reach the lungs or stomach, so Y-90 can be delivered safely.
Both are done under local anaesthesia with sedation through a needle puncture. After the procedure, some patients have fever, mild pain, nausea or tiredness for a few days, which is managed with medicines.
TACE is often repeated at intervals depending on response. TARE is usually one or two planned treatments. Follow-up scans guide the next steps.
Serious complications are uncommon but possible, such as liver function worsening, infection or bleeding. Your team assesses your liver function and risks before recommending treatment.
By Dr. Arun Gupta and the Interventional Radiology team at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi.
Share your scans with Dr. Arun Gupta’s team and explore TACE or TARE.
+91 92113 77811 WhatsAppG20-A, Near Ultrasound Dept, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060