Background and aim: Selective internal radiation therapy with 90Y microspheres (SIR spheres) is increasingly used in the treatment of extensive liver tumours. Careful selection and preparation of patients are necessary to avoid possible adverse effects. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and severity of adverse effects resulting from the administration of SIR spheres during therapy.
Materials and methods: Between June 2004 and August 2006, 21 patients (11 women and 10 men; age range 40-75 years; mean, 58 years) with a wide range of extensive liver tumours were treated with SIR spheres. The mean administered dose was 1.87 GBq (range 1.2-2.5 GBq). During the follow-up period of 26 months, all adverse effects were monitored and classified according to the National Cancer Institute criteria.
Results: Four patients had adverse effects: one case of cholecystitis followed by fibrosis and portal hypertension, one case of peptic ulceration and two cases of radiation hepatitis. All cases responded to appropriate therapy.
Conclusion: Proper selection of patients and accurate interpretation of pre-treatment investigations are vital for minimizing adverse effects following therapy with SIR spheres. In our experience, all adverse effects were moderate with no life-threatening consequences.