Physician FAQs
- How is TheraSphere® administered?
- Are there any risks associated with TheraSphere® use?
- How do I get more information on TheraSphere®?
- Will insurers pay for TheraSphere® treatment?
- Who administers TheraSphere®?
- Can TheraSphere® treatment make a previously unresectable liver tumor operable?
- How much does treatment with TheraSphere® cost?
- Where is TheraSphere® currently being used?
- Can I use TheraSphere® at my medical facility?
How is TheraSphere® administered?
TheraSphere® is delivered to the liver via a catheter placed into the femoral artery and guided by fluoroscopy to the hepatic artery. Using this technique, the physician directs the catheter into the diseased lobe of the liver by following the appropriate branch of the hepatic artery. Once the catheter is properly positioned, the physician infuses TheraSphere®, which localizes preferentially in the tumor. Precise lobar administration prevents the inadvertent flow of TheraSphere® into the gastrointestinal tract.
Are there any risks associated with TheraSphere® use?
It is estimated that the vast majority of patients are potentially good candidates for catheter placement. This is the result of recent improvements in patient selection and improved technical skills in catheter placement.
However, physicians and patients should be aware of potential problems that can occur if TheraSphere® is not correctly placed in the liver, which can lead to serious side effects in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or lungs. These usually only occur in patients who have unusual or severely damaged liver blood vessels.
Prior to TheraSphere administration, patients are screened to determine if they are at risk for the side effects in the GI tract or lungs.
How do I get more information on TheraSphere®?
Call +1 866 363 3330 or e-mail therasphere@nordion.com.
Will insurers pay for TheraSphere® treatment?
TheraSphere reimbursement is specific to your geographic region. Please consult Reimbursement for more information.
Who administers TheraSphere®?
TheraSphere® is usually administered by an interventional radiologist under the supervision of a radiation oncologist, or nuclear medicine physician, who is part of a team that may include a surgeon, hepatologist, medical oncologist, nuclear medicine specialist and interventional radiologist.
Can TheraSphere® treatment make a previously unresectable liver tumor operable?
In patients with unresectable liver cancer, TheraSphere® may be used to down-stage tumors making the patient eligible for surgery, RFA or transplant. See Publications for clinical data discussing TheraSphere treatment outcomes.
How much does treatment with TheraSphere® cost?
Treatment costs will vary, based upon the number of required treatments and how treatments are administered in the institution. Please contact us for specific pricing information in your territory.
Where is TheraSphere® currently being used?
TheraSphere® is being used at a number of private and academic medical centers. Please refer to our Treatment Centers map to locate a center near you.
Can I use TheraSphere® at my medical facility?
For information about TheraSphere® for use in your facility please call Nordion at +1 866 363 3330 or email therasphere@nordion.com. Nordion will ship to facilities with the appropriate radioactive materials license. Please refer to the package insert for additional information. See Getting Started for additional information.
