Advances in Radioembolization - Embolics and Isotopes

Abstract

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), otherwise known as radio embolization is now becoming a common procedure performed for those patients with primary hepatic neoplasia [such as hepatocellular carcinoma], and liver dominant metastatic disease [such as in near endocrine disease, and colorectal carcinoma]. The current technology platforms incorporate the use of yttrium 90, a pure beta emitter loaded on either a resin microsphere, or ceramic microsphere. Although clinical outcomes have been encouraging with both technology platforms, second-generation radioembolic devices [utilizing either new processes of microsphere synthesis, or different radioactive isotopes] are currently under development, or clinical study. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide the reader with some perspectives regarding the next generation of radioembolic devices, and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both current, and future platforms.