Grand Island, Neb. — CHI Health St. Francis is pleased to announce the availability of SIR-Spheres microspheres, manufactured by Sirtex, for patients with metastic liver cancer from Dr. Cody Evans and his Radiology team. SIR-Spheres miscrospheres are the only fully FDA-approved microspheres for colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver.
At least 60 percent of the nearly 150,000 Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year will see their cancer spread to the liver, and most liver tumors cannot be surgically resected. Metastatic liver cancer is often fatal, with up to 90 percent of patients dying from liver failure. Microspheres therapy has emerged as a treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.
SIR-Spheres microspheres are microscopic radioactive spheres that can be delivered by the millions directly to the tumor site. The microspheres contain the radioactive isotope yttrium-90, which delivers beta radiation to the tumor. The microspheres selectively target liver tumors with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy while sparing healthy tissue.
Recent studies in chemo-refractory patients with colorectal liver metastases reported a median survival range of 10.5 to 13 months compared to 3.5 months for untreated patients. All of the patients had stopped responding to standard of care chemotherapy regimens or were unable to tolerate them further.
Updated data from the SIRFLOX study now suggests that SIR-Spheres are beneficial to patients as first and second line treatment in conjunction with chemotherapy. SIRFLOX data has shown the progression free survival (PFS) in the liver averages 20.5 months with chemo plus SIR-spheres versus chemotherapy alone average of 12.6 months. Overall survival data is still be collected with additional studies investigating SIR-spheres utility as front line treatment for patients with liver metastasis.
“SIR-Spheres microspheres are a powerful weapon against one of the deadliest forms of cancer,” said Dr. M. Sitki Copur, Medical Oncology director for the St. Francis Cancer Treatment Center. “In the past, we were able to offer patients few, if any, targeted treatment options. SIR-Spheres microspheres have been proven to extend patient survival and, just as importantly, the treatment allows patients to maintain a good quality of life.”
SIR-Spheres microspheres are indicated for treatment of unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. Ongoing research and peer reviewed published papers in the literature suggest that yttrium-90 microspheres may also be effective in treating other forms of liver tumors.
These include tumors from hepatocellular carcinoma as well as liver metastases from other primary sources. Treatment for these tumor types is investigational and is not approved under the current SIR-Spheres microspheres FDA approval.
The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed on an outpatient basis with minor side effects.
About CHI Health St. Francis
CHI Health St. Francis is a non-profit faith-based hospital serving Central Nebraska with state-of-the-art healthcare services. The St. Francis tower has 159 acute-care patient rooms, including the Family Birthing Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit and a 10-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit. St. Francis also operates a Cancer Treatment Center in Grand Island and Hastings, a Skilled Care Unit and an Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center.
About CHI Health
CHI Health is a regional health network with a unified mission: nurturing the healing ministry of the Church while creating healthier communities. Headquartered in Omaha, the combined organization consists of 15 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities and more than 150 employed physician practice locations in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa. More than 12,000 employees comprise the workforce of this network that includes 2,820 licensed beds and serves as the primary teaching partner of Creighton University’s health sciences schools. In fiscal year 2014, the organization provided a combined $149.3 million in quantified community benefit including services for the poor, free clinics, education and research. Eight hospitals within the system are designated Magnet, Pathway to Excellence or NICHE. With locations stretching from North Platte, Nebraska, to Missouri Valley, Iowa, the health network is the largest in Nebraska and serves residents of Nebraska and southwest Iowa. For more information, visit online at CHIhealth.com.