Radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres

Abstract

Background: Selective internal radioembolization is an innovative, endovascular, minimally invasive therapy to treat primary hepatic neoplasia and hepatic metastases. Objective: The objective is to describe the technique and define the fields of application. Results: Selective internal radioembolization (SIRT) represents one of the most important pillars in first- and second-line treatment for cholangiocarcinoma (CCH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y90-RE) is used in hepatic metastases, in which the metastases under chemotherapy only involving the liver are progressive (liver only) or dominant (liver dominant). This therapy is occasionally denoted as a “salvage situation” or “chemorefractory situation”. Conclusion: The evidence for SIRT is considerably improved by new trials. In the meantime, SIRT has been adopted in the oncological guidelines as an alternative therapy concept for the treatment of hepatic neoplasia.