Locations & Hours | Radiology Services & Procedures | Insurance Info | Policies & Payments Radioembolization for Liver Tumors by Edward Priest, M.D. Radioembolization is a treatment for liver cancer. During this procedure, tiny beads containing high energy radiation therapy are injected directly into the artery to the liver. The beads lodge in and around cancerous tumors of the liver and expose them to highly intense radiation therapy from within. This technique allows much more intense radiation to be delivered to the tumors than could be delivered by external beam radiation therapy. Such intense treatment can cause improvement or even complete disappearance of the tumors. The liver is a common site for malignant tumors. These tumors may originate from the liver itself (hepatoma and hepatocellular carcinoma) or come to the liver from cancer at other sites (particularly colon cancer). Liver tumors were previously treatable only by surgery or intravenous chemotherapy. However, only a few patients can have such a major surgery and some tumors of the liver do not respond to intravenous chemotherapy. The radioembolization injection procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist. This doctor inserts a tiny plastic catheter or tube into the artery in the right leg, and then directs the tube into the artery to the liver with x-ray television. Once in place, the radioactive beads are injected and the catheter is removed. The radioembolization procedure is done under “twilight” anesthesia. It is typically done as an outpatient procedure. There is minimal pain involved, both during the procedure and afterwards. Most patients resume a normal lifestyle within 2-3 days. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Edward Priest, regarding radioembolization, call (615) 312-0128 (Monday- Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). http://www.edwardpriestmd.com