Which embolic agent is NOT typically used in TACE/SIRT procedures?

In the context of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), the use of specific embolic agents is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes. The correct answer identifies glass beads as an agent not typically used in these procedures.

Iodized oil is commonly used in TACE due to its ability to mix with the chemotherapy agents and enhance their delivery to the tumor while also providing a radiopaque marker for imaging purposes. Gel-foam, on the other hand, is a temporary embolic agent that can be used to occlude blood flow quickly and is sometimes utilized in TACE for its rapid effectiveness. Microspheres are also frequently employed in both TACE and SIRT for their consistent ability to deliver either chemotherapy or radioactive particles directly to the tumor site.

Glass beads, while they have applications in other forms of embolization or radiation therapy, are not standard in TACE/SIRT. Their properties may not provide the same results as other more established embolic agents in terms of sustained embolization and optimal therapy delivery for liver tumors. Hence, recognizing that glass beads are not a typical component in these specific procedures clarifies the rationale behind their exclusion from the list of common embolic agents used in T