First, a special CT scan of the liver is performed in our Cary office so the proper dose of radiation can be calculated. A week later, a catheter is placed inside the liver's main blood vessel and radiation-containing microspheres are delivered directly to the cancerous tumors. This procedure puts the radiation necessary to destroy the cancerous cells closest to them, while preserving healthy tissue.

Immediately after the procedure, a scan is performed to show the exact location of the infused microspheres within the liver. They will remain in the liver, delivering the radiation dosage over the next 14 days.

Patients are discharged the same day and are not a radiation danger to their family. We use a special type of radiation (beta) that does not escape the liver. Patients then return for follow-up visits with Dr. Kennedy every two weeks for the next six weeks, or more often if needed. In some cases, more than one treatment is required.

The Microsphere Treatment team at Wake Radiology Oncology Services is one of the most experienced in the world. Team leader Dr. Kennedy is internationallyknown for his contributions to basic and clinical research to re-establish Microsphere Therapy for liver cancers in the U.S.

In addition to Dr. Kennedy, our medical team includes a specialist in Interventional Radiology, a specialist in Medical Physics, and a Registered Nurse.

Microsphere Therapy is FDA approved and covered by Medicare, as well as most insurance companies. Check with your health plan coordinator for more details.

Patients with liver cancer that cannot be treated by surgery and is unresponsive to chemotherapy may be candidates for Microsphere Therapy.

Contact your oncologist to see if now is an appropriate time to consider liver-directed radiotherapy. If your oncologist recommends you for treatment, your medical information will need to be sent to Wake Radiology Oncology Services in advance of your consultation with Dr. Kennedy, our Microsphere Treatment team leader. We will also contact your oncologist to discuss your case in detail.

Next, screening tests overseen by a radiologist will be conducted at WakeMed. These tests will determine if it is safe to deliver radiation-containing microspheres into the liver. They include a study (angiogram) of the blood vessels in the liver and a test (MAA scan) to see if microspheres will pass through the liver via abnormal blood vessels into the lungs or stomach. Some patients also require a new CT scan and PET scan prior to treatment.

This information is provided by Wake Radiology Oncology's Doctors, Nurses, and Technologists.  It was added to this site on November 12, 2003 and last updated on January 29, 2004.