Radioembolization Y-91: A Revolutionary Treatment for Cancer

Radioembolization Y-91 (also known as Thermoluminescent Yttrium-90 or TLY) has become the go-to treatment for malignant brain tumors, which are typically unresponsive to surgery and chemotherapy. Radioembolization Y-91 uses heated particles to fight cancer and allow patients to live longer, healthier lives in many cases. Learn more about how this revolutionary treatment works and what it could mean for you at Alamogordo Imaging Center in Alamogordo, NM by calling 505-434-9926 today!

Overview of prostate cancer:

Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in tissues of the prostate, which is located below a man’s bladder and in front of his rectum. The prostate gland is part of a man’s reproductive system. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, so symptoms may not appear until it has reached an advanced stage. It can spread beyond the prostate to other parts of your body, particularly your bones and lymph nodes.

Types of treatments available
Hospitals have developed new techniques to treat cancer. When one of our patients is facing a cancer diagnosis, we are ready to offer them a range of options for treatment and imaging. Our Radiologists are board certified with expertise in neuroradiology, musculoskeletal, breast, vascular, and interventional radiology.

How does radioembolization work?
Radioembolization is a non-surgical treatment that uses radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. In radioembolization, radiopharmaceuticals called monoclonal antibodies are injected into a patient’s bloodstream. The antibodies are attracted to cancer cells and attach to them, while also binding to radioactive particles. The radiopharmaceuticals and their radioactive cargo are then delivered directly to targeted areas in organs like a tumor by hitching a ride on blood vessels. Over time, as these blood vessels grow or multiply, they deliver therapeutic doses of radiation directly to cancerous tissues without harming normal tissues. Unlike chemotherapy, no drugs are needed before or following treatment because very little radiation is given off during radioembolization.

What does the treatment entail?
Radioembolization, or interventional radiotherapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers targeted radiation to malignant tumors by injecting them with microspheres, or beads. The procedure requires no incision and takes less than one hour. The microspheres are absorbed into blood vessels feeding cancerous tissues and emitting radioactive particles for a period of six months to two years.

Recovery time after treatment
Patients experience minimal recovery time after undergoing a Radioembolization procedure. Within 24 hours, patients are typically discharged from our hospital and can resume normal activity almost immediately. However, it is recommended that patients maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to achieve lasting results. This helps maintain strong bones, which are essential to preventing future fractures or breaks in their bodies. Our Radiologists are available to speak with you about recovery time after treatment with Radioembolization Y-91 at Alamogordo Imaging Center.