Researchers At University Of Illinois Target Colon Cancer Therapy
July 19, 2007
Investigators publish new data in the report "Complete eradication of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer by Yttrium-90 SIRT. Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization, also known as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), is a regional hepatic therapy used in the treatment of unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. In SIRT, Y-90 impregnated microspheres are injected into the VASCULAR SUPPLY of hepatic tumor, leading to selective irradiation and necrosis of tumor TISSUE," scientists in the United States report.
"While several studies demonstrate improved local control and survival with SIRT, the specific indications for this therapy have yet to be defined. Typically, SIRT is given in combination with chemotherapy as multimodal treatment for unresectable hepatic CRC. However, it has also found increasing use as a salvage therapy in chemo-refractory patients. Herein, the authors describe their experience with SIRT as "stand alone" therapy in a surgically-prohibitive, chemotherapy naive patient with hepatic CRC metastasis," wrote S. Garrean and colleagues, University of Illinois, Department of Surgery.
The researchers concluded: "The results suggest that Y-90 SIRT may have potential applications beyond its usual role as a palliative or salvage therapy for unresectable hepatic CRC."
Garrean and colleagues published their study in World Journal of Gastroenterology (Complete eradication of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer by Yttrium-90 SIRT. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2007;13(21):3016-9).
For more information, contact S. Garrean, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Dept. of Surgery, 840 S Wood St. MC 958, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
Publisher contact information for the World Journal of Gastroenterology is: W J G Press, PO Box 2345, Beijing 100023, People's Republic of China.
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