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Ultrasound-guided internal radiotherapy using yttrium-90-glass microspheres for liver malignancies
1Department of Nuclear Mecicine, The Great Wall Hospital, Beijing, China.
Summary
Intratumoral injection of Yttrium-90 glass microspheres (90Y-GMS) offers a promising treatment for liver cancer. This targeted approach demonstrated significant tumor reduction and improved patient outcomes with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Liver malignancies, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, present treatment challenges due to difficulties in targeted drug delivery.
- Existing therapies often struggle to effectively target lesions while preserving surrounding healthy liver tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intratumoral injection of Yttrium-90 glass microspheres (90Y-GMS) for treating liver malignancies.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional treatment delivery methods for liver cancer.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound-guided intratumoral injection of 90Y-GMS into 27 hepatocellular carcinomas and 6 liver metastases.
- Repeat procedures were performed at 3-4 week intervals as needed.
- Patients underwent regular echographic, clinical, and laboratory follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant tumor shrinkage (90.6%) and improved clinical condition observed in patients.
- Normalization of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in 10 of 13 patients.
- Complete tumor destruction confirmed by biopsy in 8 of 9 patients, with no severe side effects reported.
Conclusions:
- Intratumoral administration of 90Y-GMS under ultrasound guidance is a feasible and effective treatment for liver malignancy.
- High radiation doses delivered directly to tumors contribute to successful outcomes.
- This method offers a higher cure rate for liver cancer with a favorable safety profile.