3.3.3. Embolization

Percutaneous transarterial embolization has been widely applied for the treatment of BMs from DTC alone or in combination with other treatments [69]. This technique aims to provide devascularization and size reduction of the tumor tissue through vascular occlusion by several embolic materials, causing ischemia and subsequent necrosis. The efficacy of the procedure for BMs from DTC is related to the hypervascularity's characteristics. The procedure alone can provide palliation or the prevention of symptoms and reduce tumor burden for more than half of patients [78]. However, its efficacy is usually rapid, but transient. The procedure is often performed just before surgery to reduce operative bleeding, shrink tumor size, and allow a clearer separation between the tumor and the surrounding tissues [79,80]. The combination of EBRT and RAI therapy has a potential effect on the prolonged duration of symptom control without tumor progression [81].
