Liver Cancer

SIR-Spheres microspheres are an innovative means of treating liver cancer. In cases where it is not possible to surgically remove the liver tumors, SIR-Spheres microspheres can be used to deliver targeted, internal radiation therapy directly to the tumor.

Liver tumor being treated with SIR-Spheres

This new therapy is called Selective Internal Radiation Therapy also known as SIRT. This technique uses millions of tiny polymer beads or microspheres which contain a radioactive element called yttrium-90. SIR-Spheres microspheres are very small, approximately 32 microns in size, and are about one-third the diameter of a strand of hair. SIRT is usually administered as an outpatient procedure by a specially trained physician known as an interventional radiologist. A small catheter is guided into the liver and the SIR-Spheres microspheres are infused through the catheter. The microspheres with the radioactive yttrium-90 are carried by the bloodstream directly to the tumors in the liver where they preferentially lodge in the small vessels feeding the tumor and deliver their dose of radiation. Unlike conventional external beam radiation, which can only be applied to limited areas of the body, SIR-Spheres microspheres selectively irradiate the tumors and therefore have the ability to deliver more potent doses of radiation directly to the cancer cells over a longer period of time.

VIRTUAL TOUR

Take a tour of the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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FEATURED PHYSICIAN

Stephen J. Kahn, M.D.

SPECIALTY:
Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Board Certified
* Please contact the physician’s office to find out if the doctor is accepting new patients at this time
Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology
* Open, physician is currently accepting new patients

Hospital affiliation:
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center – Summit Campus