Radioembolisation

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive treatment method in which radioactive microspheres are injected directly into the tumor to prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells. This method, which is especially used in the treatment of liver cancer and metastases, offers less side effects and a faster recovery process for patients. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give information about what radioembolization is, how it is done and how treatment planning is done.

What is Radioembolization?

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive treatment method in which radioactive materials are used to destroy cancer cells. This method is an effective option especially in the treatment of liver cancer and liver metastases. Radioembolization, thanks to the radioactive microspheres injected into the tumor, prevents the cancer cells from feeding and stops their growth and spread. In addition, this method, which acts only on cancerous cells without harming healthy tissues, offers less side effects and a faster healing process for patients.

By Which Method Is Radioembolization Performed?

Radioembolization is performed by direct injection of radioactive microspheres into the tumor. During this procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the patient and radioactive microspheres are delivered to the area where the tumor is located through a catheter. These spheres block the vessels that feed the tumor and prevent the cancer cells from getting oxygen and nutrients. In this way, the growth and spread of cancer cells is stopped. After the procedure, most of the patients are discharged within 24 hours and can return to their normal lives.

How is Radioembolization Treatment Planning Made?

Radioembolization treatment planning is determined according to the patient’s condition and cancer stage. First of all, the general health status of the patient and the size of the cancerous area are evaluated. Then, it is decided whether radioembolization is an appropriate treatment method. If radioembolization is deemed appropriate, the treatment process is started.

During treatment planning, necessary calculations are made to inject radioactive microspheres in the right dose and into the right area. For this purpose, the most appropriate dose and injection method are determined by considering factors such as the size and location of the patient’s tumor. During the procedure, radiological imaging techniques are used to ensure the correct placement of radioactive microspheres into the tumor. Thus, the effectiveness of the treatment is increased and the risk of damage to healthy tissues is reduced.

How is Radioembolization Treatment Applied?

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive radiotherapy method used in the treatment of liver cancer and some other liver tumors. This treatment works by targeting tumors within the liver by injecting radioactive microspheres (containing Yttrium-90) directly into the tumor. In this way, while the death of tumor cells is ensured, the risk of damaging healthy liver tissue is minimized. Radioembolization therapy is usually applied to patients who are not suitable for surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment options.

Radioembolization therapy is applied as follows;

• First of all, necessary medical imaging and tests are performed to evaluate the condition of the patient’s tumor and liver functions.

• A catheter is placed in the femoral artery in the inguinal region by applying local anesthesia to the patient. This catheter is the vehicle that will transport the radioactive microspheres to the tumor.

• The catheter is advanced towards the liver arteries under X-ray guidance. At this time, the arteries are visualized by injecting contrast material. In this way, directing the radioactive microspheres to the right place is controlled.

• Once the correct site has been identified, radioactive microspheres are injected directly into the tumor. These microspheres cause the death of tumor cells by blocking the arteries that feed the tumor.

• After the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed and the port is closed.

• Radioembolization therapy usually takes 1-3 hours and most patients are discharged within a few hours.

What Should Be Considered After Radioembolization Application?

There are some important points that patients should pay attention to after radioembolization treatment;

After the procedure, patients may need to be kept under observation in the hospital for a while. During this time, patients’ contact with other patients and visitors may be restricted due to the influence of radioactive materials.

It is important for patients to use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs recommended by doctors after the procedure. These drugs help control pain and swelling caused by radioembolization therapy.

It is important for patients to avoid heavy physical activities and rest for a few days after the procedure. During this time, it is appropriate for patients to do light exercises such as walking.

It is important that patients follow the diet and lifestyle changes recommended by the doctors after the procedure. These changes help the liver heal and keep the tumor under control.

After radioembolization treatment, it is important for patients to go to regular checkups and have medical imaging and tests recommended by their doctors. In this way, the effectiveness of the treatment and possible complications are monitored.

After radioembolization treatment, it is important for patients to regularly use the drugs recommended by their doctors and to follow up on side effects. In case of any problems with the drugs, patients should contact their doctor immediately.

What are the Side Effects of Radioembolization Treatment?

The side effects of radioembolization therapy are listed below;

• After radioembolization therapy, most patients experience symptoms such as fever, malaise, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Usually these symptoms subside within a few days and are treatable.

• Radioembolization therapy may cause temporary or permanent deterioration in liver function. This is particularly risky for patients with pre-existing liver damage.

• During radioembolization therapy, radiation-induced lung inflammation may occur if radioactive particles escape into the lungs. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.

• During radioembolization therapy, complications such as stomach ulcers or intestinal inflammation can occur if radioactive particles escape into the stomach or intestines.

• During radioembolization therapy, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, appropriate hygiene and sterilization measures should be taken before and after treatment.

• Allergic reactions may occur to materials used in radioembolization therapy. This can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.

What Are The Advantages of Radioembolization Therapy?

The advantages of radioembolization therapy are listed below;

• Radioembolization therapy is a minimally invasive method that can target cancer cells without the need for surgical intervention. In this way, the recovery process of the patients is faster and the risk of complications is lower.

• Radioembolization therapy provides specific targeting of cancer cells by injecting radioactive particles directly into the tumor. This reduces the risk of damaging healthy cells.

• Radioembolization therapy can be combined with other cancer treatments. In this way, the effectiveness of the treatment can be increased and the life span of the patients can be extended.

• Radioembolization therapy can help reduce tumor size. In this way, in cases requiring surgical intervention, the success rate of the surgery increases and the quality of life of the patients improves.

• Radioembolization therapy is an effective method in the control of cancer-related pain. In this way, the quality of life of patients increases and the need for painkillers decreases.

• Radioembolization therapy provides an alternative option for patients who do not respond to other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In this way, the life expectancy and quality of life of patients can be increased with more treatment options.

Radioembolization Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Radioembolisation Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.