Yttrium-90 Radioembolization as a Palliative Treatment for Liver Tumors: A Case Study

The best chance of cure for patients with liver cancer is surgical removal, but many tumors are too large or invasive. In addition, chemotherapy is frequently unsuccessful in this patient population. A case study is featured involving a patient determined to be a candidate for Yttrium-90 radioembolization, a minimally invasive liver-directed treatment used to target primary and metastatic liver tumors by delivering radioactive microspheres directly to the tumor. This article provides an introduction to the procedure, as well as practical information for nurses caring for patients with liver cancer following Yttrium-90 radioembolization. At a Glance Yttrium-90 radioembolization allows larger radiation doses to be used without affecting healthy tissues. An outpatient procedure, Yttrium-90 radioembolization results in fewer side effects than standard treatment. Although Yttrium-90 radioembolization can extend and improve quality of life, its intent is palliative, not curative.