The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new guidance recommending Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) as a viable treatment option for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the liver. NETs, originating from neuroendocrine cells, often metastasize to the liver from other parts of the body. SIRT involves the targeted delivery of radiation to the tumors by injecting radioactive spheres into the artery supplying blood to the liver, thereby limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Dr. Sachin Modi, a highly regarded consultant interventional radiologist/oncologist at the University of Southampton, underscored the alarming trend of increasing diagnoses of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and emphasized the critical necessity for a diverse array of treatment options to meet the evolving needs of patients.
NICE’s recent recommendation in favor of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) represents a significant milestone, following a meticulous examination of evidence about its safety and efficacy, including cutting-edge treatments like Boston Scientific’s TheraSphere Y90 Microspheres.
NICE Endorses SIRT for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Enhancing Patient Outcomes and Quality of Life
This comprehensive assessment suggests that SIRT holds promise in reducing adverse effects, expediting recovery timelines, and significantly enhancing the overall quality of life for patients, presenting a notable improvement over conventional treatment approaches such as surgical procedures or chemotherapy regimens. As such, this recommendation by NICE marks a pivotal advancement in the field of oncology, offering renewed hope and optimism for patients grappling with NETs and their healthcare providers alike.
The NICE committee is responsible for the recommendation that highlighted the suitability of SIRT for neuroendocrine tumors in the liver due to their hyper-vascular nature, making them more responsive to targeted radiation therapy. Moreover, SIRT is deemed to be better tolerated than other intra-arterial therapies as it relies on radiation rather than an embolic effect to destroy tumor cells.
Xavier Bertrand, vice president of peripheral interventions at Boston Scientific, expressed enthusiasm about the guidance, emphasizing the potential of targeted, minimally invasive cancer treatments to enhance patient outcomes and alleviate strain on healthcare systems. The recommendation is expected to expand access to SIRT therapy, addressing disparities in healthcare access and offering hope to patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors.
Boston Scientific’s TheraSphere Shows Promising Results in Phase III Trial for Neuroendocrine Tumors Treatment
Boston Scientific’s TheraSphere treatment has emerged as a beacon of hope in the realm of liver cancer treatment, particularly in the context of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Through the Phase III EPOCH clinical trial, TheraSphere underwent rigorous evaluation, revealing promising outcomes that underscore its potential as a groundbreaking therapeutic intervention. Notably, the trial successfully achieved primary endpoints related to progression-free survival (PFS) and hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS), solidifying the efficacy of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) in combatting liver cancer.
These compelling results not only validate the therapeutic benefits of SIRT but also highlight its role in reshaping the landscape of oncological care. As such, Boston Scientific’s TheraSphere stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation in the fight against cancer, offering renewed hope to patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Resource: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, May 16, 2024
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