SIRTradioembolization

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy, commonly known as SIRTradioembolization or SIRT, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain types of cancer, primarily liver tumors. It involves delivering tiny radioactive beads, called microspheres, directly to the tumor site via the hepatic artery. These microspheres are coated with a radioactive isotope, typically Yttrium-90 (Y-90).

The procedure begins with a diagnostic angiogram to map the blood vessels supplying the liver and the tumor. Once the feeding vessels are identified, a small catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and guided to the hepatic artery. The radioactive microspheres are then injected through this catheter, lodging themselves within the small blood vessels of the tumor. The radiation emitted by the microspheres directly targets and damages cancer cells, while sparing much of the surrounding healthy liver tissue.

SIRT is often used for primary liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as for metastatic disease to the liver from other cancers, such as colorectal or neuroendocrine tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment, as a bridge to transplantation, or for palliation of symptoms. The benefits of SIRT include its targeted nature, which can lead to tumor shrinkage and improved survival, while often avoiding the systemic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. The procedure typically requires a short hospital stay, and recovery is generally rapid.