[Radioembolization with 32P-labelled glass microspheres for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma]

We evaluated the efficacy and side effect of 32P-Labelled glass microspheres (32P-GMS) as a radioembolizer for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 24 patients with unresectable HCC received internal radiation treatment of 32P-GMS. The tumor size varied from 3.6 to 18 cm. Hepatic arterial embolization was carried out through intraoperative or Seldinger's method. The mean absorbed radiation dose of the liver was 3250 rad (range from 1200 rad to 8000 rad). The radiation intensity within the tumor was 3.3 times stronger than in liver tissue. Not significant bone marrow renal toxicity was noted within 1 to 3 months. > 50% of tumor shrinkage was found in 17 cases, and < 50% of tumor reduction in 5 cases. The cumulative survival rate of 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months was 92%, 75%, 54%, 33% and 29%. Hepatic arterial instillation of 32P-GMS appears to be safe and effective for unresectable HCC even with portal vein thrombosis.