The latest technology for treatment of liver cancer comes to the town. TARE (Trans Arterial Radio Embolization), an innovative procedure that uses special gadgets and micro-catheters to access the tumour to deliver precise radiotherapy. Such facility was unveiled at Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals (AGH) in Kolkata on Friday.
In TARE the identified source of blood supply to the tumour in liver is accessed and intra-arterial radiotherapy is delivered using Yttrium-90 (a radiotherapy agent). This results in significant improvement and at times complete treatment of the tumor as well.
“We are happy to announce this innovative procedures for our patients. We have started performing TARE, which would benefit our patients substantially. With this, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata becomes the first corporate multi-specialty hospital in the eastern region to perform this procedure,” Said Rana Dasgupta, CEO AGH.
The procedure is done in two sittings. In the first sitting, the tumour is identified by the angiographic evaluation and any potential source of extrahepatic organs are embolized to reduce the chances of radiotherapeutic agents going to other organs to avoid further complications. Following this, the dose is calculated and prepared usually in Canada or Singapore from where the dose is transported in a premeasured amount and delivered on specific dates using special system in the Cathlab.
“Primary liver cancers, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma and extensive metastasis or secondary deposits in the liver pose a great clinical challenge to treat, especially if they are progressive in nature despite all kinds of treatment. With a huge and increasing burden of hepatitis B and C patients, the HCCs are in rise,” said Dr Manash Saha, senior consultant vascular & non-Vascular Intervention at AGH.
Source: Times of India
