Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer represents the most common liver malignancy, and imparts
a very poor prognosis for those who develop this disease. Unlike primary liver tumors
such as hepatocellular carcinoma, which largely develops in patients with underlying
cirrhosis, most metastatic liver tumor patients have normal underlying liver function.
Owing to this, most will succumb to tumoral replacement of the liver rather than from
underlying liver dysfunction. Radioembolization represents a treatment modality that
can be used in multiple fashions to treat one or both lobes of the liver. Techniques
depend on whether the procedure is used as first-line, second/third-line, or as salvage
therapy. Outcomes and complications of radioembolization are presented in this article,
as well as background information on colorectal cancer and systemic therapies.
Keywords
colorectal cancer - interventional radiology - radioembolization - chemotherapy -
transarterial therapy
