What Is Radioembolization Therapy & How Does It Work(Also Known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy)?
It is a radionuclide therapy treatment for cancers either originating in or that have spread to the liver. In this treatment, a catheter is introduced into the artery of the liver through which the radionuclide therapy is injected. The therapeutic agent concentrates in the liver cancer based on its blood flow and thus kills cancer cells. There are various radionuclide therapies under the umbrella term of selective internal radiation therapy, which have differences but share the same method of action. These include (but not limited to):
How Safe Is Radioembolization Therapy?
Radioembolization therapy is relatively safe. However, like all treatments it is not free of side effects and benefit of therapy needs to be measured against risk of side effects before giving this treatment. Side effects include both side effects due to procedure of introduction of catheter in the liver artery and due to the therapy agent. However, overall the side effect profile is quite encouraging.
What Is the Evidence for Radioembolization Therapy?
Radioembolization has the highest level of evidence (randomized phase III clinical trial) proving its effectiveness. This has led to ever increasing interest in and use of radioembolization therapy.
In Which Patients of Radioembolization Therapy Useful?
Radioembolization therapy is most commonly used in patients with:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (with and without portal vein thrombosis)
- Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
- Colon & Rectal Cancer with liver metastases
