TheraSphere

TheraSphere

TheraSphere is a medical treatment used primarily in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common type of primary liver cancer. This treatment involves the use of yttrium-90 (Y-90) glass microspheres that are delivered directly to the liver tumor through the hepatic artery. TheraSphere is a form of radioembolization, a procedure that combines embolization and radiation therapy to target liver tumors.

Mechanism of Action

TheraSphere works by delivering high doses of localized radiation to liver tumors while sparing the surrounding healthy liver tissue. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Catheterization: A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and guided to the hepatic artery, which supplies blood to the liver.
2. Delivery of Microspheres: The Y-90 glass microspheres are injected through the catheter. These microspheres become lodged in the small blood vessels of the tumor.
3. Radiation Therapy: The Y-90 emits beta radiation, which has a limited penetration range, thus concentrating the radiation dose within the tumor and minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

Indications

TheraSphere is indicated for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those who are not candidates for surgical resection or liver transplantation. It may also be used as a bridge to transplantation or in combination with other therapies such as sorafenib.

Procedure

The TheraSphere procedure is typically performed by an interventional radiologist in a hospital setting. It is minimally invasive and usually requires only local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure duration is approximately 60 to 90 minutes, and patients are often discharged the same day or the following day.

Side Effects

Common side effects of TheraSphere include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and transient liver function abnormalities. Serious complications are rare but can include radiation-induced liver disease, gastrointestinal ulceration, and non-target embolization.

Efficacy

Clinical studies have demonstrated that TheraSphere can effectively reduce tumor size and improve survival rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. It is particularly beneficial for patients with portal vein thrombosis, where other treatments may be contraindicated.

Also see

• Radioembolization
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Interventional radiology
• Yttrium-90
• Liver cancer

External links

• National Cancer Institute - Radioembolization
• TheraSphere Official Website