Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has become one of the first Canadian centers to offer Y-90 therapy, a cutting-edge treatment for liver cancer. This minimally invasive procedure uses a radioactive isotope, Yttrium-90, to deliver radiation directly to cancerous tumors, preserving surrounding healthy tissue. Guided by advanced imaging, a catheter delivers microscopic glass beads containing the isotope to the tumor, where they emit radiation to destroy cancer cells from within.
Dr. Emidio Tarulli, KHSC’s Interventional Radiologist, explains that Y-90 therapy offers three potential benefits: it can cure some liver cancers, shrink tumors to make surgery possible, or control the cancer, providing patients with more time. The therapy offers a significant advantage over traditional treatments, with fewer side effects and faster recovery.
Since its launch in September 2024, KHSC’s Y-90 program has treated about 10 patients, with more expected as the program expands. The treatment is performed in two outpatient appointments, allowing patients to return home the same day. KHSC’s team, consisting of over 40 staff members, is committed to delivering personalized care to liver cancer patients in southeastern Ontario.
(By: Tim Baltz)
