Y90 Radioembolization for Liver Cancer in Houston TX

Y90 radioembolization is a cutting-edge treatment designed for patients with primary liver cancer (such as hepatocellular carcinoma) and for those whose cancer has spread (metastasized) to the liver from other parts of the body. This minimally invasive procedure targets liver tumors directly, delivering high doses of radiation with minimal impact on healthy tissue.

At Alate Health, our board-certified interventional radiologists use advanced imaging technology to perform Y90 radioembolization safely and precisely. The procedure begins with a tiny incision, typically in the groin area, through which a thin, flexible catheter is inserted. Guided by real-time imaging, our specialists carefully navigate the catheter through the blood vessels to the hepatic artery—the main vessel supplying blood to the liver and its tumors.

Once the catheter is in place, tiny radioactive beads called microspheres, coated with yttrium-90 (Y90), are released directly into the artery. Because liver tumors receive most of their blood supply from the hepatic artery, these microspheres become lodged in the tumor’s blood vessels, delivering targeted radiation to the cancer cells while largely sparing healthy liver tissue.

Y90 radioembolization is generally well-tolerated. Some patients may experience mild side effects such as fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or low-grade fever, but serious complications are rare. Before the procedure, our team conducts thorough imaging and diagnostic tests to ensure safety and suitability for each patient.

At Alate Health, our team carefully evaluates whether Y90 radioembolization is appropriate for each patient. This treatment is typically recommended for individuals whose liver tumors cannot be surgically removed due to their size, number, location, or other health considerations that make surgery too risky. Ideal candidates generally have:

• Tumors predominantly located in the liver (not widespread outside the liver)
• Adequate liver function, as the procedure can affect both tumor and healthy liver tissue
• Sufficient overall health to tolerate and recover from the procedure

Patients with severe liver failure, advanced cirrhosis, or significant liver dysfunction may not be suitable for Y90 radioembolization. Additionally, certain anatomical or medical factors—such as blockage of the main bile ducts, severe portal hypertension, or blood flow patterns that could deliver radiation to other organs—may impact eligibility.

Our Multidisciplinary Approach

At Alate Health, patient care is a collaborative effort. Before any Y90 procedure, our interventional radiologists work closely with oncologists, hepatologists, and other specialists to conduct comprehensive assessments. This includes advanced imaging studies to map the liver’s blood supply, ensuring that radioactive microspheres are delivered precisely to the tumor while minimizing risk to healthy tissue and other organs.

Personalized Patient Care

Each patient’s treatment plan is individualized based on their unique clinical situation, liver function, tumor characteristics, and overall health. Our goal is to provide the safest and most effective therapies available, maximizing outcomes and quality of life for our patients.

Y90 radioembolization is a targeted therapy that delivers microspheres (tiny beads) loaded with the radioactive isotope yttrium-90 (Y90) directly to the blood vessels feeding a liver tumor. This allows us to treat cancerous tissue precisely, sparing much of the healthy liver.

Once in place, the Y90 beads emit localized radiation that destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The radioactivity diminishes within days, but the beads remain in place, continuing to block the tumor’s blood supply. The entire process is typically completed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home the same day.

Benefits of Y90 Radioembolization

• Targeted Therapy: High doses of radiation are delivered directly to the tumor with minimal systemic side effects.
• Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small incision, reducing recovery time and surgical risks.
• Symptom Relief and Tumor Control: Y90 can help reduce tumor size, control growth, alleviate symptoms, and potentially extend survival for patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Benefits of Y90 Radioembolization:

• Targeted Tumor Treatment: This technique can shrink tumors or halt their growth, providing symptom relief and a better quality of life—especially for patients who are not candidates for surgical tumor removal.
• Preservation of Healthy Tissue: Because the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor, there is less risk of damaging healthy liver tissue compared to traditional radiation therapy.
• Minimally Invasive: Our interventional radiology team performs Y90 radioembolization through a small incision, which typically means quicker recovery times and fewer side effects than major surgery.
• Complementary Therapy: Y90 radioembolization can be combined with other cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and surgery, to improve outcomes.
• Treatment for Challenging Tumors: The precision of this procedure makes it an effective option for patients with multiple tumors, or with tumors in locations that are difficult to reach surgically.
• Bridge to Liver Transplant: For some patients waiting for a liver transplant, Y90 can help control tumor growth and stabilize the disease, making transplantation a viable option.
• Improved Outcomes: Studies have shown that Y90 radioembolization can result in better tumor control and, in some cases, improved survival rates compared to supportive care alone.

Visit Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic today to learn more about Y90 radioembolization and how our expertise can help you or your loved one manage liver cancer with the most advanced therapies available. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1213 Hermann Dr Suite 255, Houston, TX 77004. We serve patients from Houston TX, Bellaire TX, Jacinto City TX, Spring Valley Village TX, Stafford TX, Bunker Hill Village TX, and surrounding cities.Texas.