Overview
Yttrium 90 microspheres are beta emitting radiotherapeutic particles delivered via hepatic arterial infusion for radioembolization of liver tumors.
Properties
Microspheres lodge in tumor microvasculature delivering high local radiation dose with limited systemic exposure; activity is measured in becquerel or curie.
Uses
Used to treat primary and metastatic liver tumors as locoregional therapy often combined with other oncologic treatments.
Safety
Requires multidisciplinary planning angiographic mapping and lung shunt assessment; radiation safety and postprocedure monitoring are essential.