SIRT is used to treat liver tumours, usually hepatocellular carcinomas or colorectal metastases by selectively introducing tiny radiation-emitting particles into the blood supply of the tumours. Generally used for tumour control, it is well tolerated in most patients.
For patients requiring long term tube feeding, a gastrostomy may be a better option. It can be inserted without surgery or endoscopy, and can be performed under local anaesthesia.
Ablation can be used to treat a variety of tumours in organs such as liver, lung, kidney and thyroid. The principle of ablation is to introduce a needle under image guidance into a tumour and to create extreme heat or cold to destroy it. It is minimally invasive and has little down time.
Thyroid nodule ablation is a safe and effective way to reduce the size of thyroid nodules without surgery.
Cryoablation is the use of extreme cold to kill tumours and tissue and has wide ranging applications for e.g., renal and bone tumours and nerves. Click 'Play' on the video below to learn more.
