Radioembolization for colorectal cancer liver metastases: current role and future opportunities – the medical oncologist’s perspective

Abstract

SUMMARY  The liver is the most common and often the only site of metastatic disease in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. For patients who do not have resectable disease, a number of liver-directed therapies are increasingly being used in routine clinical practice, including yttrium-90 radioembolization. The challenge for the medical oncologist is how best to integrate this promising new option into routine practice in the setting of ever-evolving standard systemic therapy options. Here we review the most recent data on the efficacy and safety of yttrium-90, considerations when selecting patients for treatment and we examine the potential impact of current clinical trials.