Radioembolization 

Yttrium-90 radioembolization

Radioembolization is very similar to chemoembolization but using radioactive microspheres instead of chemotherapy drugs. This therapy is used to treat both primary and metastatic liver tumors.

This treatment involves injection of plastic or glass microspheres incorporating the radioactive isotope Yttrium-90 directly into the tumor. Each sphere is about the size of four red blood cells in width and looks like a speck of dust. The microspheres are injected through a catheter introduced from the groin and threaded into the liver artery supplying the tumor. The microspheres become lodged in the tumor blood vessels, where they emit their local radiation that causes tumor cells to die. This technique allows for a high local dose of radiation to be delivered, without subjecting healthy tissue in the body to the radiation. The Yttrium-90 irradiates from within and can be viewed as "internal" radiation or "brachytherapy."

Radioembolization is a palliative, not a curative, treatment. Patients may benefit by extending their lives and improving their quality of life. Some patients who initially have too much tumor to undergo surgery or transplantation may respond well enough to undergo surgery later. Radioembolization is performed as an outpatient treatment, without the need to stay overnight in the hospital.

Radioembolization facts:

• State-of-the-art treatment for unresectable liver predominant tumors. Radioembolization delivers high levels of radiation to hepatic tumors by depositing Yttrium-90 impregnated microspheres in the arteries supplying blood to the tumors.
• FDA-approved for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Other malignancies that may be treated include cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic neuroendocrine, melanoma, renal cell, lung cancer, and many more.
• Outpatient, minimally invasive therapy.
• Experienced team of physicians and nurses at Stanford Health Care offering this treatment since 2004, designated a "Center of Excellence" for both SIR-Spheres and TheraSphere, the only two currently available treatments.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration with emphasis on teamwork with referring physicians and other specialties at Stanford Health Care, which include liver transplantation, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.
• All patients undergo detailed evaluation in our clinic and receive close follow-up after the treatment. The treatment is coordinated with the patient's other physicians, including physicians outside of Stanford Health Care.
• Active and innovative research to improve effectiveness and safety of radioembolization.