Selective internal radiation therapy by yttrium-90 microspheres for hepatocellular carcinoma after renal transplantation

Clin Transplant. 2001 Aug;15(4):284-8. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-0012.2001.150411.x.

Abstract

We report a HBsAg-positive patient who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 7 years after cadaveric kidney transplantation. The tumor was unresectable because of coexisting cirrhosis. Selective internal radiation (SIR) therapy, a novel therapy with the technique recently perfected, was used. Yttrium-90 microspheres were given via an angiographic catheter under fluoroscopy guidance. Serum alpha-fetal protein (AFP) was normalized within 2 wk. A follow-up abdominal CT scan revealed significant necrosis of the tumor and compensatory hypertrophy of non-diseased liver. The treatment was well tolerated except for transient liver function deterioration. The patient enjoyed 15 months of symptom-free survival before she died of liver failure. Practical aspects and potential applications of SIR therapy in this group of patients are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brachytherapy / methods
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Liver Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Microspheres
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes