Bari, Italy – In a significant advancement for cancer treatment in the Puglia region, the Policlinico di Bari has successfully completed its first radioembolization therapy, known as TARE (Trans Arterial RadioEmbolization), for liver cancer. This minimally invasive procedure offers a targeted approach to treating tumors, preserving healthy liver tissue, and potentially expanding treatment options for patients who may not be candidates for surgery or transplant.
The TARE procedure utilizes microscopic radioactive spheres, specifically loaded with Yttrium-90 (90Y), to deliver radiation directly to the tumor site. According to Professor Giuseppe Rubini, head of the Nuclear Medicine Unit at Policlinico di Bari, this targeted delivery minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue. “It’s a therapeutic option indicated when surgical removal of the tumor isn’t technically feasible or when surgery is contraindicated due to the patient’s clinical condition,” explained Professor Rubini. The Policlinico di Bari is similarly a regional referral center for liver transplantation, and this new therapy may, in select cases, help patients grow eligible for transplant.
What is TARE and How Does it Perform?
Radioembolization, as performed at the Policlinico di Bari, involves a precise process. Microspheres containing 90Y, a radionuclide emitting high-energy beta radiation with limited penetration, are injected into the arteries supplying the tumor. This localized radiation effectively targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy liver tissue. The procedure is described as a “precision operation” rather than an aggressive intervention, as the microspheres travel with the bloodstream directly to the tumor’s core, releasing their therapeutic effect with limited impact on surrounding areas. A detailed pre-treatment simulation, including angiography and a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical injection, is crucial for accurate dose calculation and treatment planning, utilizing advanced software and collaboration between nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists.
The hospital notes that this advancement represents a strengthening of advanced oncological therapies available in Puglia, achieved through the implementation of a structured pathway adhering to national clinical, organizational, and safety guidelines. The process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient, assessment of clinical appropriateness, advanced diagnostics like CT and PET scans, personalized dose definition, and a pre-treatment simulation before the therapeutic administration.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Patient Care
The successful implementation of TARE at Policlinico di Bari is a result of close collaboration between multiple medical specialties, including Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Hepato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Diagnostic Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, and the Liver Damage Unit. Dr. Maria Rendina, director of the Liver Damage and Transplant Unit, selected the first patient for the treatment, which was then reviewed and approved by the multidisciplinary team. The procedure itself was performed by interventional radiologists Nicola Lucarelli, Cristian Dell’Atti, and Ilaria Villanova, along with nuclear medicine physicians Cristina Ferrari and Alessandra Di Palo. Dosimetry was meticulously calculated by Dr. Angela Terlizzi, head of the Medical Physics Unit, and Dr. M.G. Leo.
The first patient to undergo the TARE procedure at Policlinico di Bari has been discharged in solid condition and will be closely monitored by the multidisciplinary team through follow-up appointments.
“This is an important result for the Policlinico, made possible by the skills and integration between the different professionals involved, which allowed the activation of a highly specialized pathway within the hospital-university company,” stated Antonio Sanguedolce, General Director of Policlinico di Bari. “The goal is to make these treatments a stable and programmed activity, thus concretely expanding the possibilities of care for people with liver cancer.”
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about medical treatments and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
The introduction of TARE at Policlinico di Bari marks a significant step forward in the treatment of liver cancer in the region. Further expansion of this program and continued research into innovative cancer therapies are anticipated, offering hope for improved outcomes for patients facing this challenging disease. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
