Transarterial Radioembolization: Overview of Radioembolic Devices

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is an intra-arterial radiation therapy for patients with primary and secondary hepatic malignancies, and its role outside the liver is evolving. The principle of radioembolization is the transcatheter, intra-arterial delivery of a radioisotope via tumor feeding arteries and treating the perfused tissue with brachytherapy. Hypervascular tumors preferentially receive the radioisotope-carrying microspheres compared to the normal hepatic parenchyma.[1] Because of this, knowledge of hepatic arterial anatomy, principles of transcatheter intra-arterial embolization, and radioisotope (radionuclide or radioactive isotope) characteristics is important to optimize treatment strategies. This article provides a general, back-to-the-basics, overview of available radioembolic devices and an update on radioembolic devices in development.