A serious complication of selected internal radiation therapy: case report and literature review

Oncologist. 2010;15(8):830-5. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2010-0074. Epub 2010 Aug 5.

Abstract

The use of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with SIR-Spheres(R) (Sirtex, Sydney, Australia) is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic modality of primary and secondary malignant liver tumors. A number of treatment-related complications have been described despite technical expertise and detailed pretreatment investigations to assess suitability. We describe a case of gastric ulceration from nontargeted deposition of SIR-spheres(R) in the gastric mucosa with life-threatening consequences. This case highlights the need for careful screening and appropriate patient selection, and the need to recognize ulceration from SIRT as a potential complication of treatment. The characteristic endoscopic, radiologic, and histopathologic findings are illustrated and recommendations are reviewed with regard to the current literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Gastric Mucosa / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries / pathology
  • Stomach Ulcer / etiology*
  • Stomach Ulcer / pathology
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / adverse effects*
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Yttrium Radioisotopes