Transarterial radioembolization of primary and secondary hepatic malignancies utilizing
yttrium-90 microspheres is a commonly performed treatment by interventional radiologists.
Traditionally performed as a two-part procedure, a diagnostic angiography is performed
1 to 3 weeks prior to treatment with the injection of technetium-99m-macroaggregated
albumin followed by planar scintigraphy in the nuclear medicine department. Careful
attention must be paid to the details during the diagnostic angiography to ensure
the delivery of a safe and optimal dose to the diseased liver and to minimize radiation-induced
damage to both unaffected liver and adjacent structures. In this article, we will
review the steps and considerations that must be made during the angiography planning
and discuss current and future areas of research.
Keywords
yttrium-90 - radioembolization - liver cancer - diagnostic angiography - interventional
radiology
