Introduction of Y90-PET-CT Post Radioembolisation Therapy Scans
This study is for patients with liver cancer who are having a special treatment called Y-90 radioembolisation. This treatment uses tiny radioactive beads to target and treat liver tumours. After this treatment, patients usually have a scan to check where the beads have gone. This study is testing a new type of scan, called a Y90-PET-CT scan, to see if it gives clearer and more accurate pictures than the current scan. We believe these better pictures could help doctors understand more precisely how well the treatment is working and manage patients more effectively in the future. A small number of patients will have both the standard scan and the new Y90-PET-CT scan after their treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people have liver cancer or cancer that has spread to the liver, one treatment option is called Y-90 radioembolisation. This treatment involves carefully putting tiny beads, which contain a small amount of radiation (called Yttrium-90), directly into the liver. These beads get stuck in the tiny blood vessels around the tumour and release radiation, which helps to damage the cancer cells while trying to keep healthy liver tissue safe. This is a very targeted way to deliver treatment.
After you've had this treatment, it's important for doctors to check where these radioactive beads have settled in your liver. Currently, this is done with a special camera called a gamma camera, which creates a 3D image. This helps your medical team see how much of the treatment has reached the areas where the cancer is.
In this study, we are exploring a different type of scan called a Y90-PET-CT scan. We think this new scan might give even clearer and more detailed pictures of where the treatment beads have gone. If these new scans are better, they could help doctors get a more accurate idea of how effective the treatment has been, and potentially improve how they plan future treatments. We will invite a small group of patients to have both the current scan and this new Y90-PET-CT scan after their treatment to compare them.
Key takeaways
- This study is testing a new scan for liver cancer patients undergoing Y-90 treatment.
- The new scan aims to provide clearer images of where the treatment has gone.
- Participation involves an extra scan after your Y-90 treatment.
- It will not change your actual cancer treatment plan.
- The study hopes to improve future care for patients receiving Y-90 treatment.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for people who are aged between 18 and 80 years old and are about to have the Y-90 radioembolisation treatment for liver cancer or cancer that has spread to the liver. Both men and women can take part.
You cannot take part if you get very anxious in small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) or if you find it difficult to lie still on your back for up to 45 minutes, as this is needed for the scan. Your medical team will also need to think that you can follow the study instructions, including having both scans. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you will need to confirm you are not pregnant, which is routinely checked before Y-90 treatment anyway.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you having Y-90 radioembolisation for liver cancer?
- Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
- Can you lie still on your back for up to 45 minutes in a scanner?
- Are you comfortable with the idea of having two scans on the same day?
- If you are a woman, have you confirmed you are not pregnant (which is a routine check for this treatment anyway)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the main difference will be that after your Y-90 radioembolisation treatment, you will have an extra scan. On the day after your treatment, you will have your usual scan on a gamma camera. Immediately after this, you will have the new Y90-PET-CT scan. This extra scan will involve lying still in a scanner for up to 45 minutes. There are no additional medications or follow-up appointments directly related to this study beyond your standard treatment plan. The total duration of your participation in the study will just be limited to this additional scan session.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Christie NHS - Nuclear Medicine DepartmentVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Y-90 radioembolisation?
It's a liver cancer treatment that uses tiny radioactive beads placed directly into the liver to target cancer cells.
Why is a different scan being tested?
Researchers believe this new scan, Y90-PET-CT, might give clearer pictures of where the treatment beads go, providing more accurate information.
Will this affect my cancer treatment?
No, taking part in the study won't change your Y-90 treatment itself, only the type of scan you have afterwards.
How long will the new scan take?
The new Y90-PET-CT scan will take up to 45 minutes, in addition to your usual scan.
Can I stop participating if I want to?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Heather Williams
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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