TheraSphere™

TheraSphere™ is a proven therapy approved by the FDA that safely delivers high dose radiation to shrink liver cancer* tumors and improve patient outcomes.

Already had the TheraSphere procedure? Visit our support page for more information.

Treating liver cancer with TheraSphere

The most common type of liver cancer in adults is primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Primary liver cancer starts in the liver while secondary liver cancer starts elsewhere in the body and spreads to the liver. There is a proven, precise and personalized therapy to treat HCC called TheraSphere™ Y-90 Glass Microspheres. Learn more about TheraSphere and HCC, including risk factors, symptoms, and what to expect from treatment.¹

What causes liver cancer

The most common primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC. Cirrhosis is a major risk factor for HCC. This chronic liver disease is marked by liver tissue scarred by repeated damage and repair.

Potential causes of cirrhosis and HCC include:

Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
Prolonged alcohol abuse
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, typically the result of obesity)
Aflatoxins (found in mold on crops in some parts of the world)
Hereditary conditions such as hemochromatosis (the body absorbs too much iron from food and the build-up damages the liver)
Steroid abuse

HCC develops when normal liver cells (hepatocytes) build up genetic mistakes (mutations) as they multiply in overdrive to repair chronic damage to the liver.

Knowing the symptoms

The early stages of HCC may show no symptoms in some people which is why it’s important to stay current on your annual check-ups, especially if you fall into a high-risk category. Symptoms of HCC may include:

Losing weight without trying
Loss of appetite
Upper abdominal pain

Nausea and vomiting
General weakness and fatigue
Abdominal swelling
Yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
White, chalky stools²

Reaching a diagnosis

Your doctor may order the following tests or procedures to reach a diagnosis of liver cancer³:

Blood tests
Imaging exams, such as, ultrasounds, CT and MRI
Liver biopsy, a procedure that removes a small sample of the organ’s tissue for testing³

What to expect from TheraSphere

There are various options and combinations of options for treating HCC ranging from surgery to targeted drug therapy. Treatment options and prognosis may vary based on the stage of your cancer and overall health. If your doctor chooses TheraSphere to treat your HCC, here’s what to expect.

TheraSphere is made up of millions of tiny glass beads—each thinner than a strand of hair, containing radioactive Yttrium-90 to target your HCC liver tumor. During the procedure, your Interventional Radiologist will make a tiny incision in your upper leg, administering TheraSphere to the liver tumor through a microcatheter. TheraSphere targets the tumor with minimal impact to the surrounding healthy liver. Treatment is typically a single, outpatient procedure that does not require a stay in the hospital. It is often well-tolerated and most patients report minimal side effects. Having the TheraSphere treatment does not preclude you from other treatment options.⁴