Sirtex

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Sirtex Medical is a global healthcare business specializing in the development and delivery of radiation therapy products for the treatment of cancer. The company's flagship product, SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres, is a radiotherapy treatment designed for the application in Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), also known as radioembolization. This treatment is primarily used for liver cancer, including both primary liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metastatic liver cancers originating from other parts of the body.

History[edit | edit source]

Sirtex Medical was established with the aim of developing effective treatments for liver cancer, a condition that poses significant treatment challenges due to the organ's complex nature and the severity of the disease. Over the years, Sirtex has grown into a notable entity in the medical field, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment options with a focus on liver cancer.

Product[edit | edit source]

SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres are tiny radioactive beads that are delivered directly into the liver tumors via the hepatic artery. This method allows for a high dose of radiation to be targeted directly at the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy liver tissue. The treatment is minimally invasive and performed by a specially trained interventional radiologist.

Application[edit | edit source]

The primary application of SIR-Spheres is in the treatment of unresectable liver tumors, which are tumors that cannot be removed with surgery. This includes both primary liver cancers and metastatic cancers that have spread to the liver from other parts of the body, such as colorectal cancer. The treatment is often used in combination with chemotherapy, enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Clinical Trials and Research[edit | edit source]

Sirtex Medical is actively involved in clinical trials and research to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SIR-Spheres in various cancer treatment scenarios. These studies aim to expand the application of SIR-Spheres and improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer.

Regulatory Approvals[edit | edit source]

SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres have received regulatory approvals in multiple countries, allowing for their use in treating patients with liver cancer worldwide. These approvals are based on clinical data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Sirtex Medical plays a crucial role in the field of cancer treatment, offering innovative solutions for the management of liver cancer. Through its development of SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres, Sirtex provides a valuable option for patients with difficult-to-treat liver tumors, contributing to the advancement of cancer therapy.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD