Radioembolization: Minimally Invasive Radioactive Treatment for Liver Cancer and Hepatic Metastases

Radioembolization

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive treatment method in which radioactive microspheres are directly injected into tumors to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. This method, which is particularly used in the treatment of liver cancer and hepatic metastases, offers patients fewer side effects and a faster recovery process. In this article prepared for you, we will provide information about what radioembolization is, how it is performed, and how treatment planning is conducted.

What is Radioembolization?

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive treatment method that uses radioactive materials to destroy cancer cells. This method is a particularly effective option in the treatment of liver cancer and hepatic metastases. Radioembolization works by injecting radioactive microspheres into the tumor, which prevent cancer cells from being nourished, stopping their growth and spread. Furthermore, this method, which affects only cancer cells without harming healthy tissues, provides patients with fewer side effects and a faster recovery process.

How is Radioembolization Performed?

Radioembolization is performed by directly injecting radioactive microspheres into the tumor. During this procedure, local anesthesia is administered to the patient, and radioactive microspheres are delivered to the area where the tumor is located through a catheter. These microspheres block the blood vessels that supply the tumor, preventing cancer cells from receiving oxygen and nutrients. In this way, the growth and spread of cancer cells is halted. After the procedure, most patients are discharged within 24 hours and can return to their normal lives.

How is Radioembolization Treatment Planning Performed?

Radioembolization treatment planning is determined based on the patient's condition and cancer stage. First, the patient's general health status and the size of the cancerous area are evaluated. Then, a decision is made regarding whether radioembolization is an appropriate treatment method. If radioembolization is deemed appropriate, the treatment process begins.

During treatment planning, necessary calculations are performed to ensure that the radioactive microspheres are injected at the correct dose and in the correct location. For this purpose, factors such as the size and location of the patient's tumor are taken into account to determine the most appropriate dose and injection method. During the procedure, radiological imaging techniques are used to ensure that the radioactive microspheres are properly positioned within the tumor. Thus, the effectiveness of the treatment is increased and the risk of damaging 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 hepatic tumors. This treatment works by directly injecting radioactive microspheres (containing Yttrium-90) into the tumor, targeting tumors within the liver. In this way, tumor cell death is achieved while minimizing the risk of damage to healthy liver tissue. Radioembolization treatment is generally applied to patients who are not suitable candidates for surgical intervention, chemotherapy, or other treatment options.

Radioembolization treatment is applied as follows:

• First, necessary medical imaging and tests are performed to evaluate the patient's tumor condition and liver function.

• Local anesthesia is administered to the patient, and a catheter is placed in the femoral artery in the groin region. This catheter is the device that will carry the radioactive microspheres to the tumor.

• Under fluoroscopic guidance, the catheter is advanced toward the hepatic arteries. During this process, contrast medium is injected to visualize the arteries. In this way, proper direction of the radioactive microspheres is verified.

• Once the correct location is identified, radioactive microspheres are directly injected into the tumor. These microspheres block the arteries that supply the tumor, leading to tumor cell death.

• After the procedure is completed, the catheter is removed and the entry site is closed.

• Radioembolization treatment typically lasts 1-3 hours, and most patients are discharged within a few hours.

What Should Be Considered After Radioembolization Treatment?

There are several important points that patients should be aware of following radioembolization treatment:

Patients may need to be observed in the hospital for a period following the procedure. During this time, patient contact with other patients and visitors may be restricted due to the effects of radioactive materials.

It is important that patients use pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications as recommended by their doctors following the procedure. These medications help control pain and swelling caused by radioembolization treatment.

It is important that patients avoid heavy physical activities and rest for several days following the procedure. During this period, it is appropriate for patients to engage in light exercises such as walking.

It is important that patients comply with the dietary and lifestyle changes recommended by their doctors following the procedure. These changes help with liver recovery and tumor control.

Following radioembolization treatment, it is important that patients attend regular follow-up appointments and undergo the medical imaging and tests recommended by their doctors. This way, the effectiveness of the treatment and any possible complications are monitored.

Following radioembolization treatment, it is important that patients regularly use the medications recommended by their doctors and monitor side effects. If patients experience any problems related to medications, they should immediately consult their doctors.

What are the Side Effects of Radioembolization Treatment?

The side effects of radioembolization treatment are listed below:

• After radioembolization treatment, most patients experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Generally, these symptoms subside within a few days and can be treated.

• Radioembolization treatment may cause temporary or permanent impairment of liver function. This situation is particularly risky for patients who have pre-existing liver damage.

• If radioactive particles escape to the lungs during radioembolization treatment, radiation-induced lung inflammation may occur. This condition can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.

• If radioactive particles escape to the stomach or intestines during radioembolization treatment, complications such as gastric ulcer or intestinal inflammation may occur.

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

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

What are the Advantages of Radioembolization Treatment?

The advantages of radioembolization treatment are listed below:

• Radioembolization treatment is a minimally invasive method that can target cancer cells without requiring surgical intervention. This way, patients have a faster recovery process and lower complication risk.

• Radioembolization treatment provides tumor-specific targeting by directly injecting radioactive particles into the tumor. This way, the risk of damage to healthy cells is reduced.

• Radioembolization treatment can be combined with other cancer treatments. This way, treatment effectiveness can be increased and patient survival rates can be prolonged.

• Radioembolization treatment can help reduce tumor size. This way, in cases requiring surgical intervention, the success rate of surgery increases and patient quality of life improves.

• Radioembolization treatment is an effective method in controlling cancer-related pain. This way, patient quality of life improves and the need for pain medications is reduced.

• Radioembolization treatment offers an alternative option for patients who do not respond to other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This way, with more treatment options, patient survival rates and quality of life can be improved.

Radioembolization Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has gained international recognition through its investments and work in the healthcare sector. Particularly, state-of-the-art equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has brought hope to many patients. Additionally, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

The reasons for this preference include:

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being specialized, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and care assistants being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering natural and historical attractions with vacation opportunities,

• Easy accessibility and transportation,

• Medical, diagnostic, accommodation, food, beverage, clothing, and vacation needs being available at reasonable prices,

Regarding Radioembolization Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and patient relatives interested in coming to Turkey conduct research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide definitive pricing information. Many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, diagnostic process, treatment process, and length of stay in Turkey affect the cost. If you wish to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our agency, we can facilitate your visa application process through invitation letters we send to the consulate.