Hepatic radioembolization (SIRT)

Background and indications

Radioembolization is offered for liver tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma, metastases, cholangiocarcinoma) when other treatments are not suitable. It can also serve as a bridge before transplantation or surgery.

Benefits

This treatment delivers a high radiation dose directly to the tumor with limited effect on surrounding healthy liver. It is generally well tolerated with few side effects.

Procedure

Treatment occurs in two stages. During the first session (work-up), an angiogram maps the hepatic vessels and a test product is injected to simulate treatment. If results are favorable, radioactive microspheres are injected during a second session 1-2 weeks later. Each session lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

Risks

Side effects are generally mild: fatigue, mild abdominal pain. Rarer complications include digestive ulcers (if microspheres migrate to the stomach), liver damage or radiation pneumonitis.

Recovery and follow-up

Each session requires one overnight stay. A CT or MRI is performed 3 months after treatment to assess tumor response.

Practical information

Local anesthesia. Hospital stay: one night.