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Published in: Advances in Therapy 5/2016

Open Access 01-05-2016 | Review

Transarterial Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Authors: Joseph Ralph Kallini, Ahmed Gabr, Riad Salem, Robert J. Lewandowski

Published in: Advances in Therapy | Issue 5/2016

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Abstract

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of worldwide mortality. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 (Y90), a transcatheter intra-arterial procedure performed by interventional radiology, has become widely utilized in managing HCC.

Methods

The following is a focused review of TARE covering its commercially available products, clinical considerations of treatment, salient clinical trial data establishing its utility, and the current and future roles of TARE in the management of HCC.

Results

TARE is indicated for patients with unresectable, intermediate stage HCC. The two available products are glass and resin microspheres. All patients undergoing TARE must be assessed with a history, physical examination, clinical laboratory tests, imaging, and arteriography with macroaggregated albumin. TARE is safe and effective in the treatment of unresectable HCC, as it has a safer toxicity profile than chemoembolization, longer time-to-progression, greater ability to downsize and/or bridge patients to liver transplant, and utility in tumor complicated by portal vein thrombosis. TARE can also serve as an alternative to ablation and chemotherapy.

Conclusion

TARE assumes an integral role in the management of unresectable HCC and has been validated by numerous studies.
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Metadata
Title
Transarterial Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors
Joseph Ralph Kallini
Ahmed Gabr
Riad Salem
Robert J. Lewandowski
Publication date
01-05-2016
Publisher
Springer Healthcare
Published in
Advances in Therapy / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 0741-238X
Electronic ISSN: 1865-8652
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-016-0324-7

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