Yttrium-90 (Y-90) uses radioactive beads to treat liver cancer. These tiny beads, or microspheres, are placed into the tumor. The beads emit high radiation directly to the tumor to shrink it.
What are the side effects of radioembolization?
Many people experience symptoms of fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite after radioembolization. These effects are usually mild or moderate, and most people leave the hospital within a day or two after the procedure. Radioembolization has a low rate of serious side effects.
Is Radioembolization covered by Medicare?
Medicare coverage guidance is not available in the health plan’s service area for radioembolization for indications other than liver tumors, transarterial embolization (TAE) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Therefore, the health plan’s medical policy is applicable.
What is the difference between yttrium-90 and radioembolization?
The Yttrium-90 irradiates from within and can be viewed as “internal” radiation or “brachytherapy.”. Radioembolization is a palliative, not a curative, treatment. Patients may benefit by extending their lives and improving their quality of life.
Can yttrium-90 glass microspheres be used with chemotherapy?
TheraSphere Yttrium-90 Glass Microspheres Combined With Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy Alone in Second-Line Treatment of Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma of the Liver: Protocol for the EPOCH Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial RR1-10.2196/11545.
What is Radioembolization with 90yttrium microspheres?
Radioembolization with 90Yttrium microspheres: a state-of-the-art brachytherapy treatment for primary and secondary liver malignancies. Part 1: Technical and methodologic considerations. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2006;17:1251–78.
What is yttrium-90 therapy for liver cancer?
This therapy is used to treat both primary and metastatic liver tumors. This treatment involves injection of plastic or glass microspheres incorporating the radioactive isotope Yttrium-90 directly into the tumor. Each sphere is about the size of four red blood cells in width and looks like a speck of dust.
