Radioembolization is a modern treatment method that combines radiotherapy and embolization, and it is one of the latest treatment methods introduced by Turkey, which has helped Turkey in its permanent progress in the medical field.
What is Radioembolization?
Radiation embolization (also called selective internal radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment in which radioactive particles microsphere are injected into the tumor through a catheter inserted through the bloodstream. so this way makes sure the radioactive particles stay in the tumor and after a while radioactive emissions from the particles help killing cancer cells and shrinking the tumor as a whole, and this method is considered among one of many methods of Interventional radiotherapy for cancer.
Radioembolization has developed greatly in Turkey and has given encouraging results recently.
What are the advantages of radiocoagulation therapy over conventional radiotherapy?
Radial embolization Radioembolization is done by using ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radioembolization involves placing a radioactive substance directly into the body. This type of treatment is called Internal radiotherapy.
Unlike external beam radiation therapy, where high-energy X-ray beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body.
As a result of this, radioembolization has many advantages that make it preferable to standard radioactivity treatment, where the side effects are greatly reduced due to the fact that the surrounding tissues are only slightly exposed to radiation, and we can use a radiation dose greater than the usual treatment. In addition, coagulation has Significant effect in reducing the tumor and killing it.
What distinguishes this treatment from other (non-surgical Like chemotherapy or surgical) treatments is that we do not need a surgical incision, but we only need a simple entrance to insert the catheter, and that this method can allow patients who haven't gotten any better or seen any progress in other treatments in order to live longer or even suppress the tumor.
What cases is Radioembolization used for?
Radioembolization is often used in the treatment of Hepatocellular Tumors However, it is also used in patients who do not respond to other treatments or whose health condition does not allow them to undergo more severe treatments.
According to a A study conducted on the efficacy of radioactive coagulation in the treatment of Advanced Tumor or metastatic it appears that Radioembolization is more efficient compared to other methods.
Radioembolization can be used in the treatment of:
- Metastatic Colorectal cancer (most common)
- Biliary tract cancers
- Breast and lung cancer (if liver metastases are present)
- Endocrine tumors
It should be noted that usually people with severe liver disease, abnormal blood flow between the liver and lungs, or acute kidney failure are not eligible for radioembolization.
What are the preparations before Radioembolization in Turkey?
Several tests are done before radioembolization is performed. consulting The radiologist in Turkey about the operation, its duration and side effects, and if the decision to perform the operation was taken by a doctor to preform the operation usingadvanced Radioactivity treatment or interventional radiotherapy. The doctor performs several tests to ensure that the process is going properly.
A computerized tomography (CT) scan is performed on the patient to confirm the location of the tumor and its metastases and to determine the target section.
Some blood tests are done to ensure that the coagulation cascade is working properly (the efficiency of blood clotting factors) in the patient and to check the number of platelets and other blood cells, where a complete blood count (CBC) is taken, and the kidney function is investigated to ensure the patient's readiness for the operation.
The doctor must be informed about any diseases or if there is a pregnancy so that the doctor can take the necessary measures to reduce any side effects.
In order to know the arteries feeding the target tumor, a contrast angiogram must be done, where the doctor inserts a catheter through the arterial path (usually the femoral artery) to the desired place and injects the contrast material and sees on the screen the arteries entering and leaving this area and blocks them to make sure that radiation does not reach the neighboring areas.
Some tests must be done to make sure that there is no diversion (or blood connection) between the liver and the lungs.
How is radioembolization performed in Turkey?
The operation is often performed after the contrast angiography, about a week to ten days. Before the operation, we need to repeat the contrast angiography to ensure the success of coagulation (blockage with small particles) of the arteries.
Transarterial radioembolization can be done under general or local anesthesia, and some intravenous sedatives are given if we are satisfied with local anesthesia.
The doctor inserts the Catheter through an artery (usually femoral or from the wrist) and continues with the catheter until it reaches the site of the tumor, then it injects the microsphere loaded with the radioactive isotope Yttrium 90 (Y90) and during the next two weeks this isotope will be released from the small particles and will destroy the tumor cells and reduce the size of the tumor.
After the doctor has finished injecting the particles, he will withdraw the catheter and cover its entry point.
The operation as a whole takes about one to two hours, and if the artery used is the femoral artery, the patient needs to stay overnight in the hospital.
Radiation coagulation is a new process and studies and research are still in progress. To learn the latest developments about this treatment method, do not hesitate tocontact us, as Bimaristan Medical Center is your first choice the best treatment in Turkey.
What are the risks and side effects after Radioembolization?
Radioembolization is a safe process, as there are hardly any symptoms, but radioactivity treatment and the resulting radiation (especially since yttrium particles remain in the patient's body) can cause some problems in patients treated with Radioembolization, These problems include:
- Fever
- Tics
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and dizziness (post-embolism syndrome)
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Cystitis
- Lever Inflammation
- Lung damage (if the presence of a blood connection between the lung and liver wasn't checked)
Radiation protection after radioembolization in Turkey
To ensure the protection of the patient's family and those around him, the doctor must instruct the patient to follow some steps to ensure that no one is exposed to the radiation risk resulting from the radioembolization process.
Where the patient should avoid meeting any child, elderly or pregnant woman during the first periods after the operation (especially the first week) and should not sit next to another person, regardless of their age, for more than two hours.
The patient should avoid sharing the same bed with their life partner for the first two weeks and having sex should also be avoided so that the partner is not harmed by radiation.
You can contact us to get the most accurate information about everything you want to know about this treatment.