A Y-90 procedure, also known as radioembolization, is a targeted cancer treatment primarily used for liver tumors, delivering high doses of radiation directly to the tumor site.
Here's a breakdown of the procedure:
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Targeted Approach: Y-90 isn't a systemic treatment like chemotherapy. Instead, it's a transarterial therapy, meaning it targets the tumor's blood supply directly. This minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
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Radioactive Isotope: The "Y-90" refers to yttrium-90, a radioactive isotope. This isotope is incorporated into tiny beads (either glass or resin).
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Delivery Method: These radioactive beads are injected into the arteries that feed the liver tumor(s). This allows the radiation to be delivered precisely where it's needed.
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Mechanism of Action: Once the Y-90 beads lodge within the tumor's blood vessels, they emit radiation that damages the tumor cells, leading to tumor shrinkage or growth control.
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Benefits: Because of its targeted nature, Y-90 can deliver a much higher dose of radiation to the tumor than external beam radiation therapy, while sparing healthy liver tissue.
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Common Uses: Y-90 is primarily used for treating:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer.
- Metastatic liver cancer, where cancer has spread to the liver from another part of the body (e.g., colon cancer).
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Procedure Steps (General):
- Angiogram: An initial angiogram is performed to map the blood vessels in the liver and plan the treatment.
- Bead Injection: A catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or arm and guided to the liver. The Y-90 beads are then injected through the catheter into the tumor's blood supply.
- Post-Procedure Care: Patients are monitored after the procedure.
Y-90 radioembolization offers a localized approach to treating liver tumors, delivering targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to the surrounding healthy tissue.
