SIRT Radiation for Liver Mets

markatger
markatger Member Posts: 314
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

I heard about this treatment for liver mets. I was wondering if anyone has tried it or heard of it.

I don't have liver mets, but I go to a support group where two people are having it done. One of them is NED after chemo, but their doctor is still going to go ahead with the SIRT.

My understanding is that you recieve and injection of radiated microbeads (??) that travel to your liver and radiate the tumors.

Just wanted to make sure everyone whas aware of this procedure!



Here's a link describing it.

http://www.umgcc.org/sir-spheres/about_sirt.html


More info : from (http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/9/193.asp)

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a new modality that may be valuable in colorectal cancer liver metastatic patients which was not suitable to resection, RFA and cryotherapy. SIRT is a technique that allows high average doses of radiation of 200-300Gy to liver tumors with minimal serious effects on the non-tumorous liver. The treatment entails delivery of usually a single dose of 90Yttrium microspheres into the hepatic artery, which by virtue of the almost exclusive arterial supply to liver tumors compared with the predominant portal supply to normal liver, resulting in selective tumor uptake and irradiation. 90Yttrium is a particularly suitable isotope for medical use in this situation. As a pure beta emitter, it is simpler to handle and use than gamma or mixed beta and gamma emitters such as131iodine[123,124]. In addition, its half-life of 2.7 days and maximum penetration in soft tissues of 11 mm both are suitable for the purpose. The micropheres do not degrade and are of a size of 29-35 mm that means they are trapped in the arteriolar capillaries. To avoid the potential radiation pneumonitis and pancreatitis and ulcaration of stomach and duodenum caused by inadvertent perfusion. The placement of a hepatic artery port is particularly important in terms of safety and efficacy. The high rate of response and encouraging survival from SIRT have been reported for hepatocellular and liver metastases from colorectal cancer.
Maria

Comments

  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #2
    Thanks for the information and web site. My husband has inoperable liver mets. I am trying to learn all I can about possible treatments.

    Betty
  • oneagleswings
    oneagleswings Member Posts: 425 Member
    #3
    Hi and thank you- I had forgotten about that option..does anyone know the cost and where it is being done?
    Bev
  • usakat
    usakat Member Posts: 610 Member
    #4
    Hoag Cancer Center in Newport Beach, CA offers IMRT, which sounds like the same thing. Check them out on the internet at HOAGHOSPITAL.ORG or call them directly at 949-7-CANCER.

    I believe my team of doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff at Hoag Hospital saved my life. Hoag Cancer Center survival rates beat the national averages by 10%, which is why I picked them.

    Excellent post Maria! And Betty my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband.

    Be Well...
  • usakat
    usakat Member Posts: 610 Member
    #5
    usakat said:

    Hoag Cancer Center in Newport Beach, CA offers IMRT, which sounds like the same thing. Check them out on the internet at HOAGHOSPITAL.ORG or call them directly at 949-7-CANCER.

    I believe my team of doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff at Hoag Hospital saved my life. Hoag Cancer Center survival rates beat the national averages by 10%, which is why I picked them.

    Excellent post Maria! And Betty my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband.

    Be Well...

    Correction...Hoag offers Image Guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy or IMRT, but they also offer what they call radioactive seed implants that target very specific areas internally rather than externally. Check Hoag out for more info. Hoag Radiation Oncology 949-764-5528.
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #6
    Sirtex SIR-Spheres microspheres are radioactive polymer spheres that emit beta radiation. Physicians insert a catheter through the groin into the hepatic artery and deliver millions of SIR-Spheres microspheres directly to the tumor site. The SIR-Spheres microspheres target the liver tumors, sparing healthy liver tissue. Approximately 55 physicians in the United States use Sirtex SIR-Spheres microspheres in more than 60 medical centers. The minimally invasive procedure is performed on an out-patient basis with usually only minor side effects.
  • pink05
    pink05 Member Posts: 550
    #7
    Hi,

    I also heard of this procedure before. I mentioned it to my dad's onc and he said that there are many risks involved with this procedure. I haven't heard of any of these risks. I'm not sure why the onc. was so negative about this procedure, but it could have something to do with the procedure not being offered at the facility. Anyway, I will keep looking into it.

    Thanks!!!

    -Lee-
  • JMGJMG
    JMGJMG Member Posts: 1
    #8
    usakat said:

    Hoag Cancer Center in Newport Beach, CA offers IMRT, which sounds like the same thing. Check them out on the internet at HOAGHOSPITAL.ORG or call them directly at 949-7-CANCER.

    I believe my team of doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff at Hoag Hospital saved my life. Hoag Cancer Center survival rates beat the national averages by 10%, which is why I picked them.

    Excellent post Maria! And Betty my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband.

    Be Well...

    hi my husband had sir-sphere radiation at wake radiology in n.c. I know you can also get it at univ of maryland.our insurance did not cover this ,so if anyone has had this and insurance did cover it i would love to knowthanks

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