< Back to previous page

Project

Imaging-based dosimetry and response assessment for improved selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT)

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), is an established technique for the treatment of liver tumours. Liver tumours are highly vascularized and their blood supply is mainly derived from the hepatic artery. In contrast, normal liver tissue is perfused for up to 80% by the portal vein. In SIRT, small resin spheres containing radioactive yttrium-90 (90Y) are injected into specific branches of the hepatic artery. The spheres follow the blood flow until they are trapped in the capillaries, most of them will end up in the tumours. The 90Y atoms emit electrons, causing radiation damage in the tissue surrounding the spheres. With this technique, a very high radiation can be achieved in the tumours while the dose to normal liver tissue remains acceptably low. The current procedure for calculating the required amount of 90Y spheres is based on several approximations. This approach usually results in minimal damage to healthy liver tissue, but in some patients the achieved tumour dose is not sufficiently high. In this project, we will make optimal use of advanced medical imaging techniques to better predict the dose to liver and tumour as a function of the amount of injected 90Y spheres and the injection procedure. Advanced imaging will also be applied to accurately measure the 90Y spheres concentrations in tumour and healthy liver tissue after treatment. This work will be the basis of improved activity prescription allowing us to optimize the efficacy/toxicity trade-off.

Date:1 Jan 2018 →  31 Dec 2021
Keywords:Selective internal radiation therapy, Imaging-based dosimetry, Response assessment
Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences