|
•
Carcinoid Facts
•
Treatments & Information |
Treatments & Information
Information about carcinoid from Novartis
http://www.carcinoid.com/index.jsp
Information on Sandostatin Treatment from Novartis
http://www.us.sandostatin.com/index.jsp
Combination treatment of Sandostatin and alpha-Interferon
http://www.carcinoid.org/pcf/docs/CombinationTreatment.htm
SIR-Spheres (Yttrium 90 targeted for liver tumors)
What are SIR-Spheres?
SIR-Spheres are tiny
polymer (plastic) beads (about one third the diameter of a strand of hair)
that are combined with yttrium-90, a radioisotope that emits pure beta
radiation. Y90 (yttrium-90) has a “half life” of about 64 hours, that is,
every 64 hours the level of radiation falls by one half until it is
effectively gone after 2 weeks. The radiation from Y90 penetrates an average
of only 2.5 mm (approximately 1/16 of an inch) in tissue. After injection
into the artery supplying blood to the tumors, the spheres are trapped in the
tumor’s vascular bed, where they destroy the tumor cells by delivering the
beta radiation. The radiation is targeted to the tumor and after 14 days the
majority of the radiation effect has occurred. SIR-Spheres are considered a
regional treatment as the radiation is directed to the liver and does not
affect other organs in the body.
This treatment is
available at the Royal Victoria Hospital
|
 |
