Man Has Second Chance at Life Thanks to Tiny Radioactive Beads (Video)

Northwestern Memorial Hospital interventional radiologists perform microsphere treatment to shrink man’s 8-inch tumor 

Patient Story: Radioembolization Video

Riad Salem, MD, an interventional radiologist and director of interventional oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, injected six million of the tiny glass bead-like microspheres into Waldron’s tumor through a catheter and a small incision, a minimally-invasive technique called radioembolization, or intra-arterial brachytherapy. The targeted-treatment allows for a higher, local dose of radiation to be used, without subjecting healthy tissue in the body to the radiation.

“The secret to the beads’ success is their ability to deliver bigger, more potent doses of radiation to the tumor. Because the radiation travels only 2.5 mm in tissue, healthy tissue is spared despite this high concentration of radiation,” says Dr. Salem. 

Northwestern Memorial was one of the first hospitals to offer this minimally invasive treatment in 2001. Today, interventional radiologists there have the most experience in the world with this new technology, performing around 300 microsphere treatments each year—more than any other facility.

“Radioembolization is one of the newer, highly effective treatments for primary and metastatic liver tumors,” says Mary Mulcahy, MD, oncologist at Northwestern Memorial. “Many patients are unaware of this treatment option, which can prolong and improve the quality of life for the growing number of people who are diagnosed with liver cancer.”

Waldron is thankful his quality of life has been restored and he is able to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. “It’s a miracle,” he notes. “These beads gave me back my life and I’m very grateful.”