Boston Scientific: TheraSphere microspheres
Boston Scientific won FDA approval for its TheraSphere Y-90 glass microspheres on March 18. The device is designed to treat hepatocellular carcinoma.
The radioembolization technology provides a selective internal radiation therapy with low toxicity that is comprised of millions of microscopic glass beads that contain radioactive yttrium (Y-90). The glass beads are delivered directly to liver tumors through a catheter for minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Patients being treated with TheraSphere do not require hospitalization and the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting in as little as one hour, according to Boston Scientific.