Yttrium 90 microsphere selective internal radiation treatment of hepatic colorectal metastases.

OBJECTIVE To discuss the basic concepts involved in the development of yttrium 90 (Y-90) microsphere selective internal radiation treatment and review the clinical data pertaining to its application in hepatic colorectal cancer metastases. DATA SOURCES Published studies and scientific paper presentations. STUDY SELECTION Randomized clinical studies and retrospective reviews. CONCLUSIONS Selective internal radiation treatment is a promising new modality in the treatment of patients with hepatic colorectal cancer metastases as part of a multimodality approach. A chemo-selective internal radiation treatment neoadjuvant approach has a potential to improve therapeutic outcomes. Clinical studies in neoadjuvant and salvage settings are needed for more concrete outcome data and design of optimal multimodality treatment strategies.