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TACE, Y-90, Other Embolization Therapies
If you have an inoperable liver tumor, embolization may help. This minimally invasive treatment delivers medical therapies directly to the tumor. Embolization shrinks tumors and limits their ability to grow. Henry Ford Health is home to experts with deep experience in the latest embolization techniques.
What is embolization therapy?
Embolization involves delivering tiny beads (particles) directly to the tumor.
These particles may:
- Cut off blood flow to the tumor or part of the liver
- Deliver chemotherapy drugs
- Release a small amount of radiation
Why choose Henry Ford for liver tumor embolization?
Our highly regarded interventional radiologists perform liver tumor embolization procedures. Using real-time imaging, they guide a thin tube (catheter) through blood vessels to reach the liver and place particles in precisely the right spot. Our experience from treating a high volume of patients leads to exceptional outcomes, even for complex cases.
The Henry Ford difference:
- Team approach: Interventional radiologists work alongside liver disease specialists (hepatologists), liver surgeons and other specialists to coordinate your care. These efforts help us anticipate your needs and coordinate next steps so you can focus on feeling better.
- Personalized care: Our team considers your unique needs before recommending the embolization method that’s best for you. Y-90 radioembolization may be an option for cancer affecting both sides (lobes) of the liver. We also use this method to treat metastatic liver cancer, which spreads to the liver from other body areas.
- Additional care options: After embolization, you may qualify for surgery to remove the tumor or a liver transplant. Henry Ford liver surgeons are nationally recognized for their ability to successfully carry out complex tumor removal (resection) procedures. And our liver transplant program is among the best in the region.
Types of liver tumor embolization we offer
Embolization procedures for liver tumors include:
Particle embolization (bland embolization)
Interventional radiologists inject tiny particles into a liver artery to block blood flow to the tumor. The particles prevent tumor cells from receiving oxygen, which prevents them from growing.
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
TACE combines chemotherapy with embolization:
- Special form of chemotherapy releases a steady stream of drugs that attack the tumor.
- Particles cut off its blood supply.
Radioembolization (Y-90)
Y-90 radioembolization involves placing microscopic beads with a radioactive substance (yttrium-90) into the artery feeding the tumor. The beads block the tumor’s blood supply and deliver targeted radiation right to the tumor.
Portal vein embolization
Portal vein embolization is different from other types of embolization. It helps your body prepare for surgery by shrinking the section of liver with the tumor. This prompts the healthy portion of the liver to get bigger so it can take over the work of the part that’s removed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about liver tumor embolization
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What types of liver cancer can histotripsy treat?Histotripsy is an option for primary liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and bile duct cancer. It may also be considered for metastatic liver tumors, which are cancers that start in another part of the body and spread to the liver.
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Can I undergo histotripsy if other liver cancer treatments haven’t worked?
Histotripsy may be an option if surgery or other liver-directed therapies have not been successful. This is because it’s:
- Gentler on the liver and nearby tissue: Unlike heat, radiation or blocked blood flow, sound waves break up tumor tissue without damaging as much of what surrounds it.
- Precise: Doctors guide the procedure in real time and can stop immediately if the treatment is getting too close to healthy structures.
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Can histotripsy cure liver cancer?Histotripsy alone cannot cure liver cancer. But its ability to shrink tumors can help control the disease and relieve pressure on nearby healthy tissue. In some cases, histotripsy can make surgery or a liver transplant possible.