Colorectal cancer is a prevailing cancer that is prone to liver metastases. And liver metastases is always a foremost deadly deterioration for colorectal cancer patients. Nearly 50% patients are subject to liver metastases, 80%-90% of which are inoperable. That makes survival rate of these sufferers lower than 10%. As of now, a new emerging option, Yttrium-90, make this unsolvable issue in medical field less daunting.
What is Yttrium-90 Technology?
The technology works by implanting highly radioactive Yttrium-90 TheraSphere® inside the tumor to cause continuing radiation on tumor tissues. As areas radiation rays can reach is finite, damage to normal liver tissue and surrounding organs are minimized.
On the one hand, Yttrium-90 curbs the spread of inoperable colorectal liver metastases following an unsuccessful standard treatment. On the other hand, it elevates resectability for inoperable liver cancer, making patients eligible for surgery afresh.
△Miniature of technological basis of Yttrium-90
Moreover, internal radiation, as an approved instrument for colorectal liver metastases, also helps to shrink tumor to the size that is suitable for operation or resist the progression of the disease in case of inoperable primary liver cancer.
Yttrium-90 TheraSphere® proves to be effective in treating primary cancer, according to Treatment Guidelines for Primary Liver Cancer 2022 published by The National Health Commission of China and related drafts of European and American Tumor Associations. Now, U.S Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has approved the use of Yttrium-90 TheraSphere® in clinical trials of Primary Liver Cancer. Its use will, in our belief, extends to more profound fields and benefit clinical practice with related clinical trials going on.
Competitiveness of Yttrium-90 Treatment
Unlike conventional open surgery, Yttrium-90 microshperes injection is more like a precision guided(imaging-guided) “mini nuclear missile” that reaches the inner area of tumor and kills tumor cells by releasing beta rays injection carries. The injection dosage varies based on the situation of different patients so precisely estimated beta rays minimize damage to surrounding normal tissue and deliver precise blow to tumor cells.
△Advanced DSA
More foreseeable beneficiaries of Yttrium-90 Technology
In 2002, Yttrium-90 microshperes injection was approved for marketing by FDA and European Medicines Agency(EMA). As of now, it has been proved safe and effective through various clinical trials in many parts of the world, helping over 1,200,000 patients start a new life. Moreover, guidelines published by European Society for Medical Oncology(ESMO), National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN) and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE) encourage patients with colorectal liver metastases to receive Yttrium-90 microshperes injection. Since April, 2022, multiple prestigious hospitals in China have accomplished Yttrium-90 SIR-Spheres® intervention surgery. Patients’ vital signs allegedly stayed steady and no side effects were observed.
And postoperative pathology report of the first patient in the country receiving this surgery indicated that a 5cm tumor was entirely resected with less than 4% active tumor tissue left inside. 10 days after surgery, alpha-fetal protein lowered to 100ng/ml. A multidisciplinary discussion concluded that liver cancer was cured, no auxiliary treatment was needed and regular return visit after discharge was necessary. RoyalLee remains active in introducing diverse front-line technology to offer more options for tumor patients. At present, we are working on the introduction of Yttrium-90 microshperes injection and assessing qualification of hardware, site and ward. We hope we could bring good news to tumor patients in near future.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Center
The center is fully equipped: Digital Subtraction Angiography(DSA) made by Siemens, 128-slice Computed Tomography(CT) and 16-slice Electroconvulsive Therapy(ECT) made by General Electrics. Various minimally invasive technologies are available: intravascular intervention, radiofrequency therapy, microwave ablation therapy, cryoablation, Irreversible electroporation(IRE), radioactive particle implantation and Photodynamic therapy.