SIRT is used to treat liver tumours, usually hepatocellular carcinomas or colorectal metastases by selectively introducing tiny radiation-emitting particles into the blood supply of the tumours. Generally used for tumour control, it is well tolerated in most patients.
For patients requiring long term tube feeding, a gastrostomy may be a better option. It can be inserted without surgery or endoscopy, and can be performed under local anaesthesia.
Ablation can be used to treat a variety of tumours in organs such as liver, lung, kidney and thyroid. The principle of ablation is to introduce a needle under image guidance into a tumour and to create extreme heat or cold to destroy it. It is minimally invasive and has little down time.
