Jens Matthias Theysohn MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Simon Sipilae, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Felix Nensa MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Joerg Schlaak, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andreas Bockisch, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas C. Lauenstein MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yttrium 90 is a beta emitter used for radioembolization (RE) as an emerging therapy option for unresectable liver malignancies. After radiation therapy of one liver lobe, the other lobe is expected to compensate the therapy-induced loss of liver function. Aim of this study was to assess the amount of volume gain induced in the untreated liver lobe in a large cohort.

Fifty five patients (41m, 14f, mean age 69.8y) suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma were studied. All patients underwent radioembolization of the right liver lobe with Yttrium 90. A mean dose of 112 Gy was delivered to the target hepatic volume (range 100-160 Gy). Absolute volumes of the right (RLV) and left liver lobe (LLV) were assessed using CT scans before and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after radioembolization of the right liver lobe. Furthermore, the relative volume of the left liver lobe (LLV/[RLV+LLV]) was calculated.

Baseline volumes of the right and left liver lobe amounted to 1067 ml (RLV) and 591 ml (LLV) on average. The absolute LLV showed an average increase of 48.5% during follow-up after 6 months. However, the absolute RLV decreased significantly during follow-up (mean change: - 32.8 %). The average relative LLV was 36.1 % before and 51.8 % six months after radioembolization. Volume changes continued up to the final follow-up after 12 months (RLV -41.8%, LLV -69.3%, relative LLV 62.4%).

Constraints of liver function after radioembolization of one liver lobe can be partially compensates through hypertrophy of the contralateral lobe. This observation supports the concept of radiation lobectomy using radioembolization.

Contralateral hypertrophy of the liver following single lobe radioembolization reduces the danger of liver failure.

Theysohn, J, Sipilae, S, Nensa, F, Schlaak, J, Bockisch, A, Lauenstein, T, Segmental Radioembolization Using Yttrium 90 and Its Effect on Hepatic Volume Changes.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12037255.html