Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT)

Over the last year I have had a number of CT scans, a MIBG and Octreotide scan and these scans have revealed that the tumours in my liver have increased slightly in size. This is the first time in 16 years I that I have been given this news, so it came as a bit of a shock. At my last consultant's appointment he recommended that I have Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT). My local Primary Care Trust has agreed to fund the treatment and the procedure is to be done at kings College Hospital early in the New Year. I have been told that this treatment is not suitable for all patients, so I was wondering if anyone else has had this treatment before?

The link below provides more information:
http://www.umgcc.org/sir-spheres/about_sirt.htm

Roy

Hi Roy,

That was interesting. Thanks for sending the link. I have had a read and notice that the treatment is done using the Yytrium90 that Roy has just had. obviously the transportation technique is just a bit different for the delivery to the liver.
Let us know how you get on and all the best.

Happy New Year.

Love Sam and Roy

Hi Roy
Sorry to hear you've had some growth. Although after 7 years of stability, I still expect to hear there's been movement at every check-up! Bet it was a bit of a shock, but at least in the time that you've had this disease, treatments have improved so much and more is now known about the disease itself.
Good luck and I hope it all goes well for you.
Cx

Just a quick update; Have been to Kings and had a hepatic angiogram, gastro duodenal artery embolisation and MAA shut study done, didn't enjoy this part very much. Only side affects few aches and pains in small of back. Next step is for PET and CT scan to done this week. Then back to Kings for the SIRT treatment on the 11th Feb. Must say staff at Kings very helpful and looked after me very well. From what I have read this kind of treatment could becoming more common for patients with tumours in the liver, but it is not suitable for all.

Hope everyone is keeping well and not feeling the cold to much!

Roy

Hi All

Just a quick update; SIRT Spheres implanted in my liver on the 11th Feb, didn't feel too well after the procedure, but given anti sickness medication and felt much better by the following morning. Had to remain in hospital a further day to complete a 48 hour session on Octreotide drip, this was to prevent any Carcinoid crisis occurring due to the procedure on the liver.

Since being at home have felt ok, but get bouts of tiredness, not sure how long this will last. Follow up appointment and CT scan booked for end of March at Basingstoke.

Roy

Hi roy,sorry to hear you are feeling so tired and not to good.Just got back from london this afternoon and really tired..had the mibg and now waiting to go to ucl for a pet scan followed a week later for my meeting with Dr Caplin for results and follow up treatment,a bit wary but must keep my chin up.Hope ..deniseyou feel better soon Roy..take care

Hi All

Have had follow up appointment at Basingstoke and the news was good. The CT scan showed that the majority of tumours had reduced by 2-3mm in size and one of the largest tumours had shrunk from 24mm to 18mm (25% reduction in size). Also my 5HIAA result went from 131 back in Oct to 60 after the treatment. So I am very pleased with the outcome, I have a further check-up booked for July.

Since having the SIRT treatment I have spoken to two other patients who have been offered the procedure, I wish them well with the treatment and hope that they get similar results.

Roy

Great News Roy, something positive to take to us all, lets hope they carry on shrinking.

Sally

Hi roy,

i am so happy that this treatment was successful for you. I just wanted to know if you have had any long lasting effects from this treatment? Having the y-90 treatment last year has left me with low blood counts, (eventually should improve in time), and chronic kidney disease. Because my kidney functions are so low now, i cannot have further y-90 treament, but they have mentioned me having this.

hope you are enjoying the sunshine x

Hi Rach

At my last check up with my consultant he didn't mention any problems or concerns other than my platelets and FBC are out of range and he is expecting them to return to normal in due course. I know that I have been very lucky with the results having had this treatment; but I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who is offered it, providing they know and understand the risks involved.

The sunshine in the West Country has been lovely and certainly makes me feel much better and i seem to have more energy.

Roy

Morning Roy
Just a note to add my good wishes. I have been following your notes- and just wanted to endorse how helpful it is to read these postings. It really helps us keep up to date with treatment options, possibles results and side effects You were very kind to me when I was first diagnosed and I will always be thankful there was a friendly voice on the other end of the phone to help me through those early days- particularly someone with experience of this disease. The Sirt treatment seems another interesting and innovative step enabling focused treatment.
Great results- I'm sure it will have a long term effect - as you say -you are in the best hands with dr Rammage
Good luck for the future- for the "long term future" !!!!
Regards
Anne Meyer

Anne

Many thanks for your kind words and glad to be of some help to you when you needed it. I have lost count of how many people I have spoken too who have been newly diagnosed with carcinoid, but it keeps me going knowing that I am doing some good.

It's almost 3 months since having the SIRT treatment and I must say I am feeling good, although I still get a little tiredness now and again. I have a further check up in July with Dr Ramage, to see if thing have got even better.

I hope that all is well with you?

Take care

Roy

I have recently had my 2nd appointment with my consultant following the SIRT treatment done in Feb and the latest CT shows further reduction in the tumour sizes. One marker tumour has reduce from 21 mm to 14 mm, that's 1/3rd reduction. There was nothing else to note on the scan, blood levels have returned to normal levels and 5HIAA level remain static. I must say I am very pleased with the results so far.

Roy

Hi Roy,

Along with everyone else thank you for posting. This is a treatment I hadn't heard of. I've had 7yrs with carcinoid; like you secondarys in my liver. At the moment the specialists are looking for something else. I've just had an MIBG scan done and about to have the usual ct. Then they're discussing options, tho really the mibg I don't think works so will suggest this treatment. Hope everything keeps going well. It's great to hear positive news. Are you on any monthly/weekly injections?

Maureen

Maureen

Many thanks for your kind words; I am pleased that my postings here on forum help in some way. I am currently on 20mg every three weeks and this seems to keep me going. I will keep my fingers crossed that they find a suitable treatment for you soon.
Take care
Roy