SIRT — Selective Internal Radiation Therapy

SIRT Microspheres

When surgery is not possible to remove colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, inserting radioactive beads into the liver through its large artery may reach tumors and destroy them.

Called Selective Internal Radiation Therapy or SIRT, either resin carrying radioactive Yttrium-90 are inserted into the liver through a catheter in the hepatic artery in the groin. The tiny microspheres travel through the artery into the rich system of blood vessels that feed liver tumors. The beads get trapped in the tiny blood vessels near tumors and emit radiation that destroys cancer cells.

Radiation continues for about 14 days. After that the tiny beads, each less than a third of the diameter of a single strand of hair, remain safely within the liver.

Radiation from microspheres affects only tumors within the liver and doesn’t harm other parts of the body.

Before treatment begins, a planning angiogram is necessary. Resin beads without radioactive Yttrium are inserted through the hepatic artery and followed to be sure that the system of liver blood vessels will let them reach the tumors and not go beyond the liver where radiation could hurt other parts of the body.

SIRT treatment is delivered by an interventional radiologist with special training and experience with the procedure. Find a center where the procedure is done.

Currently, SIRT is covered by Medicare and many insurance companies for people whose colorectal cancer has already gotten worse on chemotherapy and who are not appropriate for liver surgery.

Where Can You Go for More Information

SIRTEX, the manufactures of SIR-Spheres resin microspheres has information especially for patients on their website, including frequently asked questions and some excellent videos.

Support and information for patients by patients is available from YES, both online and via toll-free telephone.

Posted by Kate Murphy on June 3rd, 2010
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Tags: liver metastases, SIR-Spheres, SIRT

Clinical Trial at NIH for Unresectable Liver Tumors

Patients with liver tumors, including those that have spread from colorectal cancer, can enroll in a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda.

The trial will test the effectiveness of infusing the drug melphalan through the artery that feeds the liver.

Colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases are eligible for the trial if they have already had chemotherapy including irinotecan or oxaliplatin.  Limited cancer outside of the liver is acceptable if the most serious problem is within the liver itself. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on May 28th, 2010
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | 1 Comment »
Tags: clinical trials, liver metastases, NIH Clinical Center

Young Patients Do Worse After Surgery for Liver Mets

Patients under 40 appear to have more aggressive liver tumors from colorectal cancer and poorer long-term outcomes.

After surgery to remove the cancer that had spread to their liver, patients who were 40 or younger had poorer overall survival and shorter time until cancer returned.

The percentage of younger patients who were alive without cancer five years later was similar to older patients, which the research team attributed to more aggressive treatment for the young patients, along with repeated surgery.  Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on March 6th, 2010
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | 4 Comments »
Tags: liver metastases, liver resection, young patients

C3 Advocates Contribute to RFA Effectiveness Review

How useful is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating liver metastases from colorectal cancer?

To answer that question, American Society for Clinical Oncology scientists included two C3 advocates, Rob Michelson and Dr. Andrew Guisti, on an expert panel looking at published RFA research.

In appreciation, the panel dedicated their Clinical Evidence Review to Michelson who died in January, 2008.

The Expert Panel wishes to dedicate this Clinical Evidence Review to Rob Michelson, who served as the patient representative at the Panel meeting in October 2007 and passed away early in 2008. His contributions at the meeting and as a reviewer of the first draft were substantive and thought provoking.

Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on February 16th, 2010
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: Andy Guisti, liver metastases, radiofrequency ablation, Rob Michelson

Talking to Your Doctor about Liver Mets

What should you and your doctor talk about if your colon or rectal cancer has spread to your liver?

Deciding on the best way to manage liver metastases from colorectal cancer isn’t easy. It’s best done with the involvement of  multidisciplinary team of doctors and thoughtful discussion with the patient.

In developing the ASCO 2009 Clinical Evidence Review on Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatic Metastases From Colorectal Cancer, the Expert Panel developed points for patients and physicians to consider during an office visit to learn about treatment options. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on February 16th, 2010
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: liver metastases, radiofrequency ablation