Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Techniques in Hepatic Tumor Management
Summary
Yttrium-90 radioembolization is a minimally invasive locoregional therapy for primary and secondary liver tumours that exploits the arterial blood supply of hepatic lesions. Microparticles loaded with the β-emitter yttrium-90 are delivered via catheterisation into the hepatic artery, preferentially lodging in the tumour microvasculature and imparting high local radiation doses while sparing non-tumorous liver tissue. Advances in microsphere design, imaging guidance and dosimetric modelling have refined treatment planning from empirical activity prescriptions to highly personalised protocols. Modern approaches integrate pre-treatment simulation with macroaggregated albumin, three-dimensional imaging and voxel-based dose calculations to predict tumour response and mitigate toxicity. Techniques such as radiation segmentectomy and radiation lobectomy extend opportunities for curative intent, bridging to transplantation or resection. Contemporary research emphasises radiobiological dose–response relationships, the synergy with systemic and immunotherapeutic agents, and the role of yttrium-90 radioembolization within multidisciplinary care pathways for hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic colorectal disease.
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Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Techniques in Hepatic Tumor Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in yttrium-90 radioembolization techniques in hepatic tumor management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Yttrium-90 radioembolization: A locoregional therapy delivering β-emitting microspheres into hepatic arteries to irradiate tumours.
Voxel-based dosimetry: Three-dimensional dose calculation at the imaging voxel level to predict response and toxicity.
Radiation segmentectomy: Highly selective treatment of liver segments with ablative radiation doses, akin to ablation techniques.
Radiation lobectomy: Lobar radioembolization inducing both tumour control and contralateral liver hypertrophy.
Partition model: A dosimetric method dividing liver into tumour and non-tumour compartments to calculate required activity.
References
- Voxel-based dosimetry predicting treatment response and related toxicity in HCC patients treated with resin-based Y90 radioembolization: a prospective, single-arm study. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (2023).
- Long-Term Overall Survival After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Updated Analysis of DOSISPHERE-01 Trial. Journal of Nuclear Medicine (2024).
- Contemporary applications of Y90 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology Communications (2023).
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