Y-90 glass microspheres

Y-90 glass microspheres are microscopic beads made of insoluble glass containing radioactive yttrium-90, a pure beta emitter. They are delivered via microcatheter into the hepatic artery, targeting liver tumors with localized, high-dose radiation while sparing much of the surrounding hepatic parenchyma. Upon administration, the microspheres become permanently lodged in tumor vasculature, emitting beta radiation that damages tumor DNA and induces cell death. The radiation decays rapidly, with most delivered within two weeks, while the stable glass beads remain embedded indefinitely. Y-90 glass microspheres are primarily used as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have demonstrated efficacy in primary and metastatic liver tumors, including liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Brand names

TheraSphere

Other names

Yttrium-90 glass microspheresYttrium90 glass microspheresYttrium 90 glass microspheres