Treatment of liver tumors by radioembolization

Radioembolization is carried out by highly qualified specialists – X-ray surgeons. To visualize the arteries of the upper abdominal cavity, an initial angiogram is performed. Then a thin wire mesh is inserted into the arteries of the stomach and duodenum 12 to protect the vessels from possible ingress of microspheres into them. Then, under X-ray control, a catheter is inserted through the skin, which moves through the femoral artery into the vessels of the liver. After placing the catheter in the branches of the hepatic artery feeding the tumor, microspheres are injected into it, into which a radionuclide drug is injected. Radioembolization takes place on an outpatient basis, however, in special cases, the patient needs a hospital for one day. The procedure lasts within an hour, with the use of local anesthesia.

At the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute (MORI) – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation  radioembolization is prescribed to patients with inoperable liver tumors, including:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer)
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Metastases from colorectal cancer and other solid tumors
• Other forms of liver tumors when surgical treatment is impossible or poses excessive risk

Advantages of the method

• High precision and local effect – radiation is delivered directly to the tumor, which increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces systemic side effects.
• Minimal invasiveness – the procedure is performed through a puncture in the groin area without the need for open surgery.
• Possibility of complex application – radioembolization can be used as an independent treatment or as part of a combination therapy with systemic drugs.
• Improving the quality of life of patients – the method slows down the progression of the tumor and reduces the symptoms associated with liver damage.

Choosing treatment after consultation with the Center’s specialists.

Since 2025, the liver radioembolization method has been officially included in Russian clinical guidelines and is available to patients within the framework of the high-tech medical care (HMC) program. In 2022, the team of the A. Tsyb MRRC received the Government Prize in Science and Technology for the development, testing and implementation of the liver radioembolization method using domestic microspheres based on yttrium-90 radionuclide. Today, A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) – the branch of the FSBI “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation is one of the leading centers in Russia for the use of the radioembolization method.

A team of highly qualified oncologists, radiologists and interventional specialists provides a comprehensive approach to patient selection, preparation, radioembolization and subsequent monitoring.

Before the procedure, a thorough examination is carried out: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, which allows us to determine the volume and localization of the tumor process as accurately as possible.

Radioembolization (SIRT) has a number of important advantages over other treatment methods:

• Minimal invasiveness and fast recovery period.
• Targeted effect on the tumor while preserving healthy liver tissue.
• Possibility of combination with chemotherapy and other types of treatment.
• Suitable for patients for whom surgical intervention is contraindicated.
• Effective in the treatment of liver metastases.

If you have any additional questions or would like to discuss the possibility of radioembolization (SIRT), we recommend you to contact with your doctor or make an appointment with the Department of Innovative Interventional Radiology in Oncology through the contact center of the P. Hertsen MORI — +7 (495) 150 11 22.

The patient may have post-embolization syndrome. Nausea, vomiting, fever, slight fever, drowsiness and weakness. The most common side effect is pain caused by blocking blood flow to the tumor. In these cases, the pain is eliminated with the help of painkillers. After 3-5 days after the radioembolization, the side effects disappear, but if they persist, you should consult your doctor. It is very important to exclude contacts with other people within a week after the procedure, since the patient is a source of radiation from a radioactive source. It is not recommended that the patient sleep in the same bed with his spouse, use public transport, be near children and pregnant women.