SIRT (Selective Internal Radiation Therapy)
SIRT as a Treatment Option
- Selective internal radiation therapy or SIRT is a local-regional procedure that targets liver tumors directly, with high doses of radiation.
- Millions of tiny radioactive beads called microspheres are injected through a small tube (catheter) into the vessel(s) feeding the liver tumor(s), where they lodge in the tumor tissue.
- They are extremely small, much smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
- Each microsphere sends out radiation in a very limited area. This allows targeting of the tumor(s) while still preserving healthy liver tissue.
- SIRT is carried out by specialists called interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. Usually two (sometimes three) sessions are performed a few days apart or sometimes the same day.
- The patients will be given medicine to make them relaxed and sleepy—but they will still be able to talk with their treatment team.