Understanding Y90 Treatment: An Alternative Therapy for Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a serious concern all over the world, affecting millions of people. While there are several treatment options available, a newer and alternative therapy called Y90 treatment is gaining popularity in recent years. This technique of delivering radiation directly to liver tumors is a minimally invasive procedure that shows promising outcomes for cancer patients. In this article, we will discuss what Y90 treatment is, how it works, and its potential benefits over traditional treatment methods.
What is Y90 Treatment?
Y90 treatment involves the delivery of radioactive beads – Yttrium-90 (Y90) – directly to liver tumors. The procedure is carried out through a small incision in the groin, through which a catheter is inserted into the hepatic artery. Using advanced imaging techniques, the catheter is guided to the tumor, where the radioactive beads are delivered. The radiation causes damage to the DNA of the cancer cells, leading to their death.
How Does it Work?
The Y90 treatment is a selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), which differentiates the procedure from other therapies. SIRT involves the administration of Y90 microspheres, which are a few millimeters in size and contain the radioactive element Y90. Due to the small size of the microspheres, they can be safely infused into the liver without damaging healthy tissues surrounding liver tumors.
Once the microspheres are infused, the radiation is safely contained within the liver, minimizing radiation exposure to other areas of the body. The Y90 treatment allows for a high dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the liver tumors, causing damage to the cancer cells while not harming healthy liver tissue.
What are the Benefits of Y90 Treatment?
The benefits of Y90 treatment over traditional treatment methods are significant. Unlike chemotherapy or external beam radiation therapy, Y90 treatment is a targeted therapy that delivers the radiation directly to the liver tumors, causing minimal damage to healthy liver tissue. Additionally, patients experience fewer side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
Studies have shown that Y90 treatment improves liver function and overall survival rates in patients with liver cancer. This therapy can also be used in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy, to further improve outcomes.
Conclusion
Y90 treatment is an alternative therapy that shows promise in treating liver cancer effectively and with fewer side effects. This therapy delivers radiation directly to the liver tumors, minimizing damage to healthy liver tissue. Patients undergoing Y90 treatment experience fewer side effects, improved liver function, and overall survival rates. Although the therapy has limitations and may not be suitable for all patients, it is an exciting treatment option that provides hope to those diagnosed with liver cancer. Talk to your doctor to learn more about Y90 treatment and whether it is right for you.
