AI Summary TARE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that delivers radioactive Yttrium-90 microspheres directly into the arteries feeding a liver tumor.
Medically reviewed.
Transarterial radioembolization (TARE), also known as Y-90 radioembolization, is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat liver cancer by delivering radioactive microspheres directly into the arteries feeding the tumor. Common systems include TheraSphere® and SIR-Spheres®. TARE provides localized internal radiation therapy while sparing much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue, targeting cancer while preserving as much normal liver function as possible. Treatment decisions should always be individualized and guided by a healthcare professional.
This page covers TARE's role in liver cancer treatment — how it works, who may be eligible, benefits, side effects, and monitoring. You can also connect with a liver specialist near you for personalized guidance on whether TARE fits your care plan.
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ABOUT TARE TREATMENT
Transarterial radioembolization is a procedure known by the abbreviation TARE, or Y-90 radioembolization. It is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment used to treat liver cancer. Common delivery systems include TheraSphere® and SIR-Spheres®.
Unlike transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which delivers chemotherapy to a tumor's blood supply, TARE delivers radioactive microspheres — tiny beads containing Yttrium-90 (Y-90) — directly into the arteries feeding the tumor. This provides localized internal radiation therapy while sparing much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue.
Your healthcare provider may recommend TARE if you have unresectable liver cancer that is predominantly confined to the liver, are not a candidate for surgery, and require liver-directed radiation therapy. TARE is typically used alongside imaging-based monitoring and, when appropriate, other liver-directed or systemic cancer therapies.
WHO TARE MAY BE SUITABLE FOR
Your healthcare provider may recommend TARE if you have unresectable liver cancer, meaning the tumor cannot be surgically removed. TARE is generally considered when the disease is predominantly confined to the liver, you are not a candidate for surgery, and you require liver-directed radiation therapy.
Because TARE delivers radiation through the hepatic artery, your provider will evaluate your liver's blood supply and overall liver function before treatment, using a mapping angiogram and imaging studies. This helps confirm that TARE can be delivered safely and effectively to the tumor.
Because every patient's tumor and liver condition is different, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to who should have TARE. Your healthcare provider determines whether Y-90 radioembolization is an appropriate option after a full assessment of your liver disease and treatment goals.
ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
TARE may be considered for adults with the following conditions, needs, or treatment goals:
Before recommending TARE, healthcare providers evaluate several factors to determine whether it is an appropriate option, including:
HOW TARE CAN HELP YOUR LIVER
TARE delivers radioactive Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres directly to liver tumors through their blood supply. Because liver tumors typically draw most of their blood flow from the hepatic artery, this route allows the radiation to concentrate at the tumor while sparing much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue.
The localized internal radiation works to reduce tumor growth and slow disease progression. Because the radiation is delivered directly into the tumor-feeding vessels rather than the whole liver, TARE aims to target the cancer while preserving as much normal liver function as possible.
TARE is typically a one-time or limited-session treatment, though repeat procedures may be considered depending on how the tumor responds and how well the liver is functioning. Follow-up imaging after treatment helps your care team assess how well TARE worked.
LIVER BENEFITS
Once the Y-90 microspheres reach the tumor's blood vessels, they lodge in place and provide localized internal radiation therapy directly within the tumor tissue. This differs from external beam radiation, which passes through the body from an outside source; TARE delivers its radiation dose from inside the tumor itself, aiming a concentrated dose specifically at the cancer.
Because the microspheres are carried through the tumor's own feeding vessels rather than through the liver's general circulation, TARE spares much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue. This tissue-sparing effect is one of the main reasons TARE is considered for patients whose liver function needs to be protected during cancer treatment.
The localized radiation delivered by TARE works to reduce tumor growth and progression. How much a tumor responds varies from patient to patient, depending on tumor size, location, and blood supply, and your care team uses follow-up imaging to assess how well the treatment worked.
By concentrating radiation at the tumor and sparing healthy tissue, TARE aims to target the cancer while preserving as much normal liver function as possible. This matters most for patients whose liver reserve is already limited by underlying liver disease, since maintaining liver function can affect eligibility for future treatment.
TARE delivers radiation directly into the blood vessels feeding a liver tumor, providing localized internal radiation therapy while sparing much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue. It should only be performed and monitored under the guidance of a qualified healthcare team.
TREATMENT PROCESS
Before treatment, your care team performs a mapping angiogram together with imaging studies to evaluate the liver's blood supply. This planning step maps the arteries feeding the tumor and helps confirm that Y-90 microspheres can be delivered safely to the intended target.
On the day of treatment, a small catheter is inserted through an artery, typically in the groin or wrist. Using imaging guidance, the physician advances the catheter through the blood vessels until it reaches the hepatic artery branch supplying the tumor.
Once the catheter is positioned, Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres are delivered directly into the tumor-feeding blood vessels. The amount and placement of the microspheres follow an individualized treatment plan based on your mapping angiogram, tumor characteristics, and liver function.
Most patients return home the same day or shortly afterward. Your care team monitors you briefly after the procedure before you are discharged.
TARE is typically a one-time or limited-session treatment. Depending on how your tumor responds and how well your liver is functioning, your provider may consider repeat procedures.
After treatment, follow-up imaging assesses treatment effectiveness. Your care team also monitors your liver function over time, since this affects whether additional treatment is appropriate.
BENEFITS AND SAFETY
TARE may support people with unresectable liver cancer that is predominantly confined to the liver by delivering targeted radiation directly to tumors through their blood supply. Because the microspheres travel through the tumor-feeding vessels, this minimally invasive, image-guided approach spares much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue while working to reduce tumor growth and progression. TARE is often performed as an outpatient procedure, without prolonged hospitalization. The extent of these benefits varies from person to person, depending on tumor size, location, and overall liver function.
TARE is not a stand-alone treatment — it works best as part of a broader, personalized care plan that includes follow-up imaging and, when appropriate, other liver-directed or systemic cancer therapies.
As with any procedure, TARE may cause side effects. Common effects include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, loss of appetite, and temporary liver function abnormalities. Your healthcare provider will monitor your treatment response and liver function through follow-up imaging and clinical assessments.
BENEFITS
TARE delivers radiation directly to tumors through their own blood supply, concentrating the treatment dose where the cancer is instead of exposing the whole liver or body. This targeted approach is a central reason TARE is considered for patients with liver-confined tumors.
TARE is performed through a small catheter inserted into an artery, typically in the groin or wrist, rather than through open or major surgery. This image-guided, catheter-based approach means a shorter procedure and no surgical incision.
Because Y-90 microspheres are delivered directly into the hepatic artery branches that feed the tumor, TARE focuses treatment within the liver rather than throughout the whole body. This liver-directed approach is intended to spare much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue while treating the cancer.
TARE is often performed without prolonged hospitalization. Most patients return home the same day or shortly afterward, following a period of monitoring after the procedure.
These effects are often mild and temporary. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment and provide ongoing support, including follow-up imaging, to monitor treatment response.
SUPPORTING YOUR RESULTS
After TARE, patients are advised to maintain hydration, avoid alcohol, follow liver-friendly nutrition, and attend scheduled oncology follow-ups for monitoring.
Following your oncology care plan, which may include combination systemic or liver-directed therapies, can help support long-term outcomes alongside TARE.
Areas that may support treatment:
COMMON QUESTIONS
Transarterial radioembolization (TARE), also known as Y-90 radioembolization, is used to treat liver cancer by delivering radioactive Yttrium-90 microspheres directly into the arteries feeding a tumor. It provides localized internal radiation while sparing much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue. Your provider may recommend TARE if your liver cancer is unresectable, predominantly confined to the liver, and you are not a candidate for surgery. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether TARE fits your specific diagnosis and treatment goals.
Your healthcare provider may recommend TARE if you have unresectable liver cancer that is predominantly confined to the liver, are not a candidate for surgery, and require liver-directed radiation therapy. Your provider determines whether TARE is appropriate after reviewing your imaging, hepatic blood supply, and overall liver function. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether TARE fits your treatment plan and goals.
TARE delivers radioactive Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres to provide localized internal radiation therapy, while transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) delivers chemotherapy and blocks the tumor's blood supply. Both are catheter-based, image-guided procedures delivered through the hepatic artery, but they use different mechanisms to treat the tumor. Your healthcare provider can help determine which approach best fits your diagnosis and treatment goals.
No, TARE is not a cure for liver cancer on its own. It is a locoregional treatment that delivers targeted radiation to reduce tumor growth and progression. Whether it offers a lasting benefit depends on your tumor's response, your disease stage, and whether additional liver-directed or systemic therapies are needed. Talk with your healthcare provider about realistic goals for your treatment plan.
TARE may cause side effects including fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, loss of appetite, and temporary liver function abnormalities. These effects are often mild and temporary. As with any procedure, risks depend on your tumor characteristics, liver function, and overall health. Your healthcare provider monitors your treatment response and liver function through follow-up imaging and clinical assessments, and will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you before treatment begins.
Most patients return home the same day or shortly afterward following transarterial radioembolization (TARE). TARE is typically a one-time or limited-session treatment, though repeat procedures may be considered depending on how the tumor responds and how well the liver is functioning. Afterward, your care team advises hydration, avoiding alcohol, liver-friendly nutrition, and attending scheduled oncology follow-ups. Follow-up imaging monitors treatment effectiveness. Talk with your healthcare provider about what recovery will look like for you.
Medical disclaimer: LiverDirectory provides educational information and a directory of providers. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition.
