Trans-arterial 90yttrium radioembolization for patients with unresectable tumors originating from the biliary tree

Abstract

Patients with malignant tumors originating from the biliary tree have a poor prognosis, since only a minority of tumors can be resected and most palliative regimens have shown only limited success. We present two patients with unresectable tumors, who were treated with trans-arterial 90yttrium radioembolization: a patient with an infiltrating gallbladder carcinoma and a patient with an extensive intrahepatic cholangio-carcinoma. In both cases the treatment was technically feasible, effective in controlling tumor growth, and without significant side effects. In conclusion, the presented cases demonstrate the potential of 90yt-trium radioembolization as a palliative treatment option for malignant tumors of the biliary tree.

Keywords

• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
• Gallbladder carcinoma
• 90yttrium radioembolization