Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 microspheres for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Mar 9:2018:bcr2017223539. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223539.

Abstract

Unresectableintrahepaticcholangiocarcinoma has a very poor prognosis despite various treatment options. The case presented describes the diagnostic challenges of a young pregnant woman with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. The current treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma have limited evidence and high recurrence rate. Given the young age of this patient, selective internal radiotherapy was trialled with traditional chemotherapy with a clinically significant result. This case highlights the delays when diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma in younger patients and the possibility of selective internal radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy as a potential first-line treatment for a complete response in unresectable disease.

Keywords: cancer intervention; hepatic cancer; malignant disease and immunosuppression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / pathology
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Drug Therapy / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Microspheres
  • Pregnancy
  • Prognosis
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / administration & dosage
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / administration & dosage
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes
  • Yttrium-90