Current status of yttrium-90 microspheres radioembolization in primary and metastatic liver cancer

Abstract

Liver malignancy, including primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer, has become one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to the high malignant degree and limited systematic treatment strategy. Radioembolization with yttrium-90 (90Y)-loaded microspheres is a relatively novel technology that has made significant progress in the local treatment of liver malignancy. The different steps in the extensive work-up of radioembolization for patients with an indication for treatment with 90Y microspheres, from patient selection to follow up, both technically and clinically, are discussed in this paper. It describes the application and development of 90Y microspheres in the treatment of liver cancer.

Keywords

• Yttrium-90 microspheres
• Primary liver cancer
• Metastatic liver cancer
• Selective internal radiation therapy
• Trans-arterial radioembolization