Y-90 Radioembolization is liver cancer treatment that uses a combination of radiation therapy and embolization—when blood and oxygen flow is blocked. This does not cure the cancer but helps slow the growth and progress of the disease.

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that involves the precise placement of microscopic radioactive microspheres (tiny particles) into the blood vessels that supply the liver tumor. This is done under image guidance, through a small catheter via an artery in the groin area. The microspheres contain an isotope of yttrium-90, which generates therapeutic radiation for approximately two weeks before decaying away and becoming inactive.

It will commonly require two sessions. In the first session, a mapping angiogram creates a road map of your blood vessels leading to the liver tumor. This is a test run and no medication will be given at this time. After 1-2 weeks, you will return for the treatment.

This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. Rarely, some patients may require an overnight hospital stay following the procedure. You may receive light sedation.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 am) the night before your procedure.  You may take medications with a sip of water in the morning. Bring a list of all prescribed medications with you to the procedure. You may be asked to hold diabetic/weight loss medication or blood thinners. You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.

Patients may experience post-embolization syndrome due to a temporary reduction in blood supply in the liver. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, low grade fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. These symptoms may be controlled by medications and usually subside within 10-14 days. CT scans or MRIs and laboratory examinations may be performed every one to three months following the treatment to determine treatment response.

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