Y90 Tumor Treatment
Radioembolization, often referred to as Y-90, is a specialized transarterial therapy that delivers high doses of radiation directly to liver tumors. This treatment uses the radioactive isotope yttrium-90, which is bound to tiny glass beads. These beads are injected into the tumor’s blood supply by your interventional radiologist at Colorado Advanced Endovascular. Once inside the tumor, the beads release radiation to either destroy the tumor or suppress its growth. Over time, the tumor shrinks and dies, while the healthy liver tissue remains unaffected, preserving future treatment options such as surgery, transplant, or systemic therapies.
Who Can Be Treated with Y-90?
Y-90 is effective for both primary liver cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, and for a wide range of metastatic cancers, including tumors from the colon, breast, lung, neuroendocrine system, and melanoma.
What is the Treatment Process Like?
The precision of Y-90 is one of its key advantages—these radioactive beads only radiate less than half an inch into the surrounding tissue. This ensures that only the tumor is targeted, minimizing exposure to healthy liver tissue and nearby organs. The Y-90 treatment involves three main steps:
Initial Consultation: During this visit, we will discuss your medical history, current condition, and the two-step treatment process, including potential side effects.
Planning Arteriogram: This step involves mapping the blood vessels supplying the liver and tumor. A small dose of radiation is administered to help calculate the precise Y-90 dose for your treatment.
Y-90 Treatment: Approximately 10-14 days later, after your personalized dose is manufactured, we perform a second, quicker arteriogram to deliver the Y-90 directly to the tumor. After both arteriograms, you will stay in our recovery area for about 2 hours.
How Will I Feel After the Treatment?
After the Y-90 treatment, most patients experience flu-like symptoms, such as mild to moderate fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and nausea. These symptoms typically last about a week.
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Schedule a consultation with our expert interventional radiology team to learn more and find out if this innovative treatment is right for you.
