Treatment of primary liver tumors with Yttrium-90 microspheres (TheraSphere) in high risk patients: analysis of survival and toxicities

Technol Cancer Res Treat. 2009 Feb;8(1):71-7. doi: 10.1177/153303460900800109.

Abstract

This retrospective study was undertaken to obtain information regarding the survival and toxicities after Yttrium-90 microspheres treatment in patients with primary liver malignancies. Baseline, treatment, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed for 21 patients treated with Yttrium-90 microspheres. Survival analysis was then performed. The results of this study showed that median survival for all the patients was 120 days. Twenty of 21 patients were categorized as high-risk with a median survival of 114 days. It was also found that one high-risk patient has survived 858 days with no recurrence of disease. Acute grade 3-5 toxicities were recorded for nine patients and consisted of elevations in AST and bilirubin, thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, ascites, nausea, fatigue, and death. This study concluded that Yttrium-90 is a low-toxicity, outpatient alternative for individuals with liver cancer and without many options. The maximal value, however, may lie in the treatment of low-risk patients.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / mortality
  • Liver Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Male
  • Microspheres*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / administration & dosage*
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / adverse effects

Substances

  • Yttrium Radioisotopes