Yttrium-90 Radioembolization

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive procedure similar to chemoembolization. The difference is that Y-90 radioembolization utilizes radioactive microspheres. It is most commonly recommended in cases where liver cancer cannot be removed by surgery.

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the groin and threaded through the arteries until it reaches the hepatic artery. Once it’s in place, millions of microscopic beads containing Y-90 are released. The microspheres lodge in the smaller vessels that directly feed the tumor, stopping blood flow and emitting radiation to kill the tumor cells while leaving most of the healthy tissue relatively unaffected.