Novel therapy for liver cancer at Mater
- Release Date: 15/09/2009
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While primary liver cancer remains relatively uncommon in Australia, incidence rates have risen over the last three decades due to increased hepatitis B and C infections. Secondary liver cancer is a common problem, particularly in the setting of colorectal carcinoma.
While primary liver cancer remains relatively uncommon in Australia, incidence rates have risen over the last three decades due to increased hepatitis B and C infections. Secondary liver cancer is a common problem, particularly in the setting of colorectal carcinoma.
Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), an innovative and novel way to treat liver cancer, is proving an effective tool in the treatment of both primary hepatocellular liver cancer (HCC) and metastatic liver cancer.
The therapy uses millions of tiny polymer beads—SIR-Spheres®—containing a radioactive element yttrium-90, which are delivered to a liver tumour through its arterial supply.
Interventional Radiologist Dr David Leggett, who performs the treatment in Mater Private Hospital Brisbane’s CardioVascular Unit, says in cases of unresectable liver tumours this technique can be used to deliver targeted therapy.
“The microspheres are carried by the bloodstream directly to the liver where they lodge in the small vessels feeding the tumour and deliver their dose of radiation for approximately two weeks,” Dr Leggett said.
“The hypervascular tumour preferentially absorbs the radiation because of its rich arterial circulation as opposed to the healthy liver which is relatively spared because of its dual blood supply.”
“SIR-Spheres® provide another treatment option for patients with advanced liver cancer who may be intolerant of other therapies such as chemotherapy,” Dr Leggett continued.
“It shows promise in the treatment of metastases from colorectal cancer and in HCC as well as other less common tumours such as carcinoid tumour.”
The technology was originally developed at the Cancer Research Institute in Western Australia, and since then, the product and procedure have been refined in collaboration with Sirtex.
Mater is one of approximately 20 hospitals in Australia offering this novel treatment to liver cancer patients.