Y90 Treatment in Denver, CO

What is Y90 Radioembolization?

Y90 Radioembolization is a minimally invasive procedure is used to treat lesions or tumors of the liver, which often form as a result of various forms of cancer, including those that have metastasized from other areas of the body such as the colon. Because of the combined experience of our interventional radiologists, patients drive from the Lakewood, Aurora, or Centennial area to receive a Y90 Radioembolization at our minimally invasive procedure center near Denver, CO.

What Happens During the Procedure

Mass General published a great article giving an overview of everything to expect during this procedure.

Liver cancers and metastatic cancers that have spread to the liver can be extremely difficult to excise using traditional methods of cutting away the diseased tissue. Even if all of the cancerous lesions can be removed, the liver may sustain irreparable damage as a result. With Y90 radioembolization there is only one small incision made, the injection begins working immediately, and follow-up care is minimal.

The term radioembolization combines both radiation therapy and embolization, meaning that this procedure delivers radioactive particles (Yttrium 90) into the arteries that are supplying blood to the lesions of the liver. This radiation helps to directly fight the cancerous tissue while the embolic fluid closes off the artery, and effectively begins to starve the lesion(s) of any nutrients it would need to continue growing.

Using Trans-Radial Access

Both of our physicians utilize trans-radial access, which means that they make an incision through the wrist. This method is associated with considerably less potential complications and patient discomfort after the radioembolization has been completed than the standard access point at the groin.

Using X-ray imaging and contrast, our interventional radiologists are able to clearly visualize the patient’s blood vessels. From here they guide a catheter into one of these blood vessels and carefully continue guiding this catheter all the way to the treatment site where they will inject the radioactive embolic material. These materials will remain in the artery for approximately 30 days before they gradually begin to break down and reopen the arteries for proper blood flow to the liver.

Recovery from Y90 Radioembolization

Patients are typically able to return home within 1-2 hours after their procedure is complete. Many report that they experience the greatest amount of discomfort within the first 48-72 hours post-op. These symptoms are rarely severe, though they can often include pain in the right abdomen, fatigue, and nausea. These side effects will wear off rather quickly as the individual rests and allows their body to heal, though patients should expect to continue feeling fatigued for up to 2 weeks after their Y90 radioembolization.

In order to observe the effects of the procedure, patients will need to complete follow-up imaging scans of the liver. Our physicians usually see optimal outcomes being achieved at 3-6 months after the radioembolization has been performed.

Why Choose the MIPS Center?

Our practice is very proud to not only utilize Y90 radioembolization, but to have physicians who continue to pioneer and educate others on the procedure.

We understand that battling cancer is never a simple process, which is why our physicians are here to answer all of your questions and provide professional insight on what treatments are best for you and your individual case. No two patients are exactly alike, which is why alternative and progressive treatments such as Y90 exist.