Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 resin microspheres in treatment of HCC with or without PVT: Initial Egyptian experience

Background/Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver. Radioembolization with yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres is a new concept in radiation therapy for HCC. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy, side effects, and future direction of Y-90 therapy, using TheraSphere (R), in patients with HCC with or without PVT. Patients and methods: Forty patients were presented by hepatocellular carcinoma most of them with portal vein thrombosis and were treated with Y-90 resin microspheres (SIR-TeX (R)). Results: At one month after treatment the overall response (complete or partial response) was exhibited by 9% of patients, stable disease exhibited by 80% of patients, progressive disease seen in 11% of patients. Conclusion: Radioembolization with Y-90 resin microspheres offers a favorable risk/benefit profile for patients presenting with locally advanced unresectable HCC with or without PVT and good liver function. (C) 2013 Egyptian Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.