PROEFSCHRIFT

Unravelling the distribution of holmium microspheres following transarterial radioembolisation

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Transarterial radioembolisation (TARE) is a locoregional therapy used in the treatment of both primary and secondary liver malignancies. The procedure involves the intra-arterial injection of radioactive microspheres into the hepatic artery via a microcatheter. These microspheres travel with the arterial blood flow and become lodged in the arterioles due to their size, where they deliver a high local radiation dose to the tumour(s). This therapeutic strategy exploits the unique dual blood supply of the liver: while liver tumours are predominantly supplied by the hepatic artery, healthy liver parenchyma receives most of its blood from the portal vein. This anatomical distinction enables semi-selective targeting of liver tumours via intra-arterial microsphere injection.

A. van den Brekel

A. van den Brekel
March 31, 2026
Radboud University, Nijmegen

Promotors:
J.F.W. Nijsen, PhD
prof J.J. Fütterer, MD, PhD

Copromotors:
S.J.S. Ruiter, PhD
J. Roosen, MD, PhD