Targeted Radiation Therapy for Liver Cancer
Y90 Radioembolization
About The Y90 Procedure
Y-90 radioembolization, also known as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment used to target liver cancer and metastatic liver disease. This procedure utilizes the radioactive isotope yttrium-90 (Y-90), which is embedded in tiny glass or resin beads. These beads are delivered directly into the blood vessels feeding the liver tumors, allowing for high-dose radiation to be concentrated precisely where it is needed.
During Y-90 radioembolization, an interventional radiologist makes a small incision in the upper leg or wrist to access the arterial system. A catheter is then navigated through the blood vessels to the hepatic artery, which supplies blood to the liver and its tumors. The Y-90 beads are injected through the catheter into the arteries supplying the liver tumors. These beads become lodged in the small blood vessels within the tumors, where they emit radiation that gradually kills the tumor cells over the course of several weeks.
Y-90 radioembolization is particularly effective for patients who have tumors that are not suitable for surgical removal or have not responded to other treatments. The targeted nature of this therapy ensures that the radiation affects the tumor cells while sparing most of the healthy liver tissue, reducing the risk of damage to the liver and other organs.
This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day. It offers the benefits of being less invasive than traditional surgery, with a shorter recovery time and fewer complications.
Conditions Y90 Treats
Y-90 radioembolization is primarily used to treat liver cancer and metastatic liver disease. This procedure is highly effective for patients with tumors that are not suitable for surgical removal or have not responded to other treatments.
- Primary Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): This type of cancer originates in the liver cells and is one of the most common forms of liver cancer. Y-90 radioembolization targets these tumors by delivering radiation directly to the cancer cells, effectively reducing their size and number.
- Metastatic Liver Disease: This occurs when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the liver. Y-90 radioembolization can be used to treat these secondary liver tumors, providing a focused and potent treatment option to manage and control the disease.
This targeted therapy is beneficial for patients who:
- Have liver tumors that are too large or too numerous for surgical removal.
- Cannot undergo surgery due to other health conditions.
- Have tumors that are resistant to other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy.
By delivering radiation directly to the tumor, Y-90 radioembolization helps to minimize damage to the surrounding healthy liver tissue, making it a preferable option for many patients with liver cancer or metastatic liver disease.
Benefits and Effectiveness of Y-90 Radioembolization
Y-90 radioembolization is a highly effective treatment for liver cancer and metastatic liver disease, offering several key benefits:
Targeted Treatment: Y-90 delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure requires only a small incision, resulting in fewer risks and a shorter recovery time.
Outpatient Procedure: Y-90 is often done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Effective Tumor Control: The high-dose radiation from Y-90 beads effectively reduces tumor size and improves survival rates.
Reduced Systemic Side Effects: Y-90 has fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional cancer treatments.
Combination Therapy: Y-90 can be combined with other treatments to enhance overall effectiveness.
Risks and Safety Considerations
While Y-90 radioembolization is generally considered safe and effective, it is important to be aware of potential risks and safety considerations associated with the procedure:
Potential Risks:
- Infection: As with any procedure that involves inserting a catheter into the body, there is a small risk of infection at the incision site. Proper aseptic techniques are used to minimize this risk.
- Bleeding: The insertion of the catheter can cause bleeding, particularly if the patient has underlying conditions that affect blood clotting. Careful monitoring and management techniques are employed to reduce this risk.
- Liver Damage: Although the procedure is designed to target only the tumor, there is a risk of radiation-induced liver damage. This risk is mitigated by precise imaging and careful planning to ensure accurate delivery of the Y-90 beads.
- Radiation-Induced Side Effects: Some patients may experience side effects from the radiation, such as fatigue, mild abdominal pain, nausea, or a low-grade fever. These symptoms are usually temporary and subside within a few days to weeks after the procedure.
- Post-Embolization Syndrome: This is a common reaction characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain, which can occur after the procedure. It is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and rest.
Contact Florida Radiology Consultants About Y90
For more information about Y-90 radioembolization and other advanced interventional radiology treatments, contact Florida Radiology Consultants today. As experts in interventional radiology, we provide cutting-edge treatments like Y-90 to patients in Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to offering precise, effective care for liver cancer and metastatic liver disease.
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