Y90 Radioembolization: Advanced Treatment for Liver Cancer
Yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization, also known as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), is an innovative and minimally invasive procedure used to treat liver cancer. This treatment delivers high doses of radiation directly to liver tumors while sparing healthy tissue, making it an effective option for patients with inoperable liver cancers or those who have not responded to other treatments.
What is Y90 Radioembolization?
Y90 radioembolization is a type of targeted radiation therapy that uses tiny radioactive beads, or microspheres, to deliver radiation directly to liver tumors. The microspheres contain the radioactive isotope yttrium-90, which emits beta radiation. These beads are injected into the liver’s blood vessels, where they lodge themselves in the tumor’s blood supply, delivering localized radiation and cutting off the tumor’s blood flow.
This targeted approach allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the cancer cells while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy liver tissue. Y90 radioembolization is primarily used for primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and metastatic liver tumors, particularly those originating from colorectal cancer.
Y90 radioembolization is a type of targeted radiation therapy that uses tiny radioactive beads, or microspheres, to deliver radiation directly to liver tumors. The microspheres contain the radioactive isotope yttrium-90, which emits beta radiation. These beads are injected into the liver’s blood vessels, where they lodge themselves in the tumor’s blood supply, delivering localized radiation and cutting off the tumor’s blood flow.
This targeted approach allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the cancer cells while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy liver tissue. Y90 radioembolization is primarily used for primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and metastatic liver tumors, particularly those originating from colorectal cancer.
How Does Y90 Radioembolization Work?
The procedure begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies to assess the liver's anatomy and the tumor's location. This is followed by a planning session, often referred to as a mapping angiogram, to determine the exact blood vessels supplying the tumor.
During the actual treatment, a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and guided to the hepatic artery, which supplies blood to the liver. The Y90-laden microspheres are then injected through the catheter. These beads travel to the tumor, where they emit radiation over a period of days to weeks, effectively killing cancer cells and reducing the tumor’s blood supply.
The procedure begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies to assess the liver's anatomy and the tumor's location. This is followed by a planning session, often referred to as a mapping angiogram, to determine the exact blood vessels supplying the tumor.
During the actual treatment, a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and guided to the hepatic artery, which supplies blood to the liver. The Y90-laden microspheres are then injected through the catheter. These beads travel to the tumor, where they emit radiation over a period of days to weeks, effectively killing cancer cells and reducing the tumor’s blood supply.
Benefits of Y90 Radioembolization
Targeted Treatment: Y90 radioembolization delivers radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves a small incision for catheter insertion, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Outpatient Procedure: Most Y90 treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Reduced Side Effects: The targeted nature of the therapy typically results in fewer systemic side effects compared to external beam radiation or chemotherapy.
Flexible Treatment Option: Y90 can be used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or ablation, depending on the individual patient’s condition.
Targeted Treatment: Y90 radioembolization delivers radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves a small incision for catheter insertion, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Outpatient Procedure: Most Y90 treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Reduced Side Effects: The targeted nature of the therapy typically results in fewer systemic side effects compared to external beam radiation or chemotherapy.
Flexible Treatment Option: Y90 can be used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or ablation, depending on the individual patient’s condition.
