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Theraspheres are radioactive
microspheres and are a new and novel treatment for
patients with liver tumors. Microspheres are a new
treatment for patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
(also called "hepatoma"). This is a tumor of liver cells
which begins in the liver. It is usually associated with
a past history of hepatitis.
SIR-Spheres, a slightly
different form of microsphere, is used for cancers of
other body sites which have spread to the liver.
SIR-Spheres are FDA approved for patients with colon
cancer and are under investigation for patients with
cancers of other sites. Call or email for information
about these trials.
The liver is a large organ that occupies the right side
of the upper abdomen. It has a very rich blood supply
which comes from two sources: the Hepatic Arteries, and
the Portal Vein. Liver tumors get their blood supply
from the Hepatic Arteries only and this is the route by
which we attack them.
Radioactive particles which contain the isotope yttrium
90 are infused directly into the liver. First, one of
our interventional radiologists places a tube into a
large artery in the patient’s right groin and passes the
tube up into the hepatic arteries (the main blood
vessels that directly feed the liver). Dye is injected
to be sure the tube is in the right place, and then
Microspheres are injected. The microscopic beads are
carried to the smallest blood vessels where, because of
their size, they become trapped. Over the few weeks, the
Yttrium delivers painless radiation to the tumors from
the inside.
Radioactive Microspheres are generally well tolerated
with only some tiredness and low grade fever in most
patients. The amount of radiation that comes out of the
patient is small and patients are not a danger to family
members.
For further information regarding the types of
Microspheres available and the types of tumors that we
can treat, please email us!
Oncores@netzero.net |
