Radiochemical Feasibility of Mixing of Tc-99m-MAA and Y-90-Microspheres with Omnipaque Contrast

Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres are widely used for the treatment of liver-dominant malignant tumors. They are infused via catheter into the hepatic artery branches supplying the tumor under fluoroscopic guidance based on pre-therapy angiography and Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (Tc-99m-MAA) planning. However, at present, these microspheres are suspended in radiolucent media such as dextrose 5% (D5) solution. In order to monitor the real-time implantation of the microspheres into the tumor, the Y-90 microspheres could be suspended in omnipaque contrast for allowing visualization of the correct distribution of the microspheres into the tumor. The radiochemical purity of mixing Y-90-microspheres in various concentrations of omnipaque was investigated. The radiochemical purity and feasibility of mixing Tc-99m-MAA with various concentrations of a standard contrast agent were also investigated. Results showed the radiochemical feasibility of mixing Y-90-microspheres with omnipaque is radiochemically acceptable for allowing real-time visualization of radioembolization under fluoroscopy.