Radioembolization of the Liver Performed for the First Time in Sakhalin

Specialists from the A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of Russia, have for the first time performed two liver radioembolization procedures in Sakhalin. This marks the first use of this high‑tech technique in the Far East.

The interventions were carried out jointly with doctors from the Sakhalin Region.

“This is an important step towards the systematic integration of complex endovascular technologies into regional practice. Now, patients in the Far East will be able to receive care without having to leave the region”,- notes Valery Kucherov, Head of the Department of X‑ray Surgical Diagnostic and Treatment Methods at the A. Tsyb MRRC.

The introduction of the technology was preceded by extensive organizational and technical preparation. This included licensing, training of specialists at the A.  Tsyb MRRC, rehearsal of all stages of the procedure, and the organization of delivery of radioactive microspheres — one of the key components of the method.

“Over several days, our team worked on‑site, demonstrating the methodology to colleagues step by step — from patient selection and planning to the intervention itself and postoperative management”,- says Artur Petrosyan, an endovascular surgeon from the X‑ray Surgery Department at the A. Tsyb MRRC. “This format of collaboration allowed us to transfer our practices and ensure sustainable development of this area in the region”.

Radioembolization is a high‑tech method for local treatment of liver tumors, combining endovascular techniques with radiation exposure. During the procedure, microspheres containing a radioactive isotope are delivered via blood vessels directly to the tumor, providing targeted irradiation of the tumor tissue while limiting the impact on surrounding healthy tissues. The method is used for primary and metastatic liver tumors and, in certain clinical situations, can be applied when other options for local treatment are limited.

The National Medical Research Radiological Centre has been developing the radioembolization technology since 2019. Today, one of the Centre’s priority areas is its implementation in regional clinical practice.