Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) is an innovative treatment option for liver tumours that cannot be removed by surgery. This type of treatment is described as Vascular Oncology, a term used to describe treating tumours by using the tumours own blood supply. By targeting and harnessing the blood supply treatment can be applied directly to the tumour, which not only concentrates therapy but reduces the effect on the rest of the body.

SIRT treatment is a two stage procedure, usually one to three weeks apart. The first stage involves an angiogram and embolization to ensure that any blood vessels that are not directly feeding the tumour are blocked off. During the second stage the treatment is delivered using tiny resin or glass beads – less than the width of a human hair – containing a radioactive element (Yttrium-90 (Y90) to treat the liver tumours directly. The microspheres tend to lodge in the small vessels within the tumour and deliver their dose of radiation for a period of approximately two weeks.

SIRT (liver radioembolisation) at The Christie Private Care

SIRT treatment is an innovative therapy only available at certain specialist centres in the UK. We work with a team of highly experienced consultants, together they have carried out more SIRT procedures than any other independent provider in the UK. The team offers advanced personalised dosimetry, which is part of the treatment planning, and is not widely available from other independent healthcare providers. Our team are pioneers in radial access, access in your wrist rather than your groin, this allows for quicker discharge after your procedure.

Vascular oncology is a term used to describe treating tumours via their own blood supply. By targeting the blood supply treatment can be applied directly to the tumour which, not only concentrates therapy, but reduces the harm to the rest of the body.

Embolisation

Embolisation is carried out by inserting a small tube into the blood vessels within your groin or wrist. The tube is then passed up to the organ that contains the tumour, treatment particles, metal coils or gel can then be delivered directly.

This type of treatment may be used to reduce the growth of tumours or even shrink tumours this can provide relief of symptoms or could reduce the size of tumours so that surgery can be performed. Embolisation may also be used to provide symptom relief for hormone secreting tumours or to stop bleeding that may either start spontaneously or after surgery.

Embolisation with chemotherapy (DEB-TACE)

This treatment, known as Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE), is a novel way of delivering high concentrations of chemotherapy to target tumours that have spread to the liver and can’t be treated with surgery or direct ablation.

The special beads, called Drug-eluting beads, are filled with chemotherapy and injected directly into the arteries of the liver using X-ray guidance. Once they are in place they are able to release the chemotherapy directly into the tumour.

This technique not only delivers concentrated chemotherapy to the tumour but reduces the side effects chemotherapy can have on the body when given through a vein.

Liver vascular procedures at The Christie Private Care

Our team of Consultants  have extensive experience in performing liver vascular procedures. They are highly skilled consultant interventional radiologists who perform a large number of these procedures regularly.

Many of our consultants are world renowned experts in different areas of interventional oncology and have published and lectured extensively. They aim to provide the highest possible standards, with over 20 years’ experience in interventional oncology they have the expertise to provide the very best care to every patient.

The biliary tree and jaundice

The biliary tree is part of the liver and is responsible for taking bile from the liver to the bowel. Some types of cancer, including primary or secondary liver cancer and pancreatic cancer, can cause a blockage in the biliary tree.

Jaundice, a term used to describe the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, happens when there is a build-up of a substance called bilirubin in the blood and body's tissues due to a blockage in the biliary tree.

The most common signs of jaundice are:

• yellowing of the skin, eyes and the lining of the inside of parts of the body, such as the mouth and nose (mucus membrane)
• pale-coloured stools
• dark-coloured urine

Biliary stenting

When cancer causes a blockage in the biliary tree our interventional consultant radiologists can help relieve jaundice by inserting a stent into the liver using X-ray guidance. 
A biliary stent is a small plastic or metal tube inserted into the bile duct to relieve a narrowing of the duct. It stays there permanently and allows bile to flow from your liver into your small intestine as normal, relieving the symptoms caused by the blockage.

Biliary intervention procedures at The Christie Private Care

Our team of Consultants  have extensive experience in performing biliary intervention procedures. They are highly skilled consultant interventional radiologists who perform a large number of these procedures regularly.

Many of our consultants are world renowned experts in different areas of interventional oncology and have published and lectured extensively. They aim to provide the highest possible standards, with over 20 years’ experience in interventional oncology they have the expertise to provide the very best care to every patient.

Oesophageal stenting

Cancer in the food pipe (oesophagus) may partly or completely block it, making it uncomfortable and difficult to swallow. To alleviate this a stent, a small metal or plastic tube, can be placed into the oesophagus under X-ray guidance, opening up the food pipe and allowing you to swallow food and drink more easily.

Biodegradable stent insertion

Sometimes a biodegradable stent can be used in place of a metal or plastic stent.  This is inserted in the same way as a metal stent, however, the stent dissolves over a period of three months.

Oesophageal dilatation

Sometimes, following radiotherapy or surgery to treat oesophageal cancer, the oesophagus may become narrow, which can make it more difficult to swallow.

Oesophageal dilation, which is performed using X-ray guidance, places a long flexible tube, called a catheter, into your oesophagus. On the end of this catheter there is an expandable area called a balloon. Once the balloon is in the position of the blockage it can be expanded multiple times to widen the oesophagus before being removed.

Feeding access

Gastrostomy insertion

Sometimes, whilst receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, some people find it difficult to eat and drink the amount of calories that their body needs. To help make sure they are maintaining enough nutrition a feeding tube may be suggested.

Using X-ray guidance, a feeding tube can be inserted directly into the stomach and the required amount of calories can be fed into the stomach directly through this tube.

Colonic treatment

Colorectal stenting

Some colon tumours can cause a blockage or narrowing of the colon, which can result in bowel obstruction. This can be a serious complication and it is important this is treated quickly.

Colorectal stenting is a minimally invasive procedure. A flexible tube called an endoscope is passed through the rectum and into the colon until the position of the blockage is found. Once the position is confirmed, using X-ray guidance a fine wire is passed into position and a stent is placed inside the colon, expanding to provide relief of the obstruction.

This is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical treatment and allows immediate relief of the blockage without the risks associated with alternative surgical treatment.

Oesophageal and colorectal intervention at The Christie Private Care

Our team of Consultants  have extensive experience in performing oesophageal and colorectal interventions. They are highly skilled consultant interventional radiologists who perform a large number of these procedures regularly.

Many of our consultants are world renowned experts in different areas of interventional oncology and have published and lectured extensively. They aim to provide the highest possible standards, with over 20 years’ experience in interventional radiology they have the expertise to provide the very best care to every patient.