Tiny plastic spheres target inoperable liver tumors in conjunction with chemotherapy
HOUSTON — Radiologists from Synergy Radiology Associates (SRA), which provides the highest level of minimally invasive expertise in the Houston metropolitan area, are performing a new, advanced treatment for inoperable liver tumors. The minimally invasive treatment, Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) or Y-90 radioembolization, can be performed along with chemotherapy.
“SIRT is an important component to the multidisciplinary approach to liver cancer, and we are excited to be able to offer it to our patients,” said SRA interventional radiologist Michael Richter, M.D. “This minimally invasive procedure has shown promising results in controlling liver cancer while maintaining a good quality of life for the patient.”
During SIRT treatment, millions of SIR-Spheres® microspheres are delivered through blood vessels directly to the tumor site.
SRA radiologists are now performing the procedure at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. Most patients are usually able to go home four to six hours after the procedure, and the reported side effects are few. Most patients experience flu-like symptoms for a period of one to two weeks after the procedure. SIRT can be used for primary liver cancers as well as metastatic disease in the liver, such as colorectal and breast cancer.
“We’re always looking at new treatments that provide the most benefit for referring physicians and their patients,” said SRA President Walid Adham, M.D. “Our radiologists provide the highest level of minimally invasive expertise in Houston, and we’re pleased to help make this new procedure available to Houston area residents.”
Often used for both primary and metastatic tumors in the liver, SIR-Spheres microspheres are the only fully FDA-approved microspheres for colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver.
For more information on SIRT and other minimally invasive procedures, visit https://synergyradmain.wpenginepowered.com/our-services/vascular-and-interventional. Physician practices interested in learning more about Y-90 radioembolization should contact the Synergy Radiology interventional team at 713-897-5853.