Table of Contents
- What is 188Re-SSS Lipiodol?
- How Does It Work?
- Who Can Benefit from This Treatment?
- The Treatment Process
- Effectiveness of the Treatment
- Potential Side Effects and Precautions
- Ongoing Research and Future Prospects
What is 188Re-SSS Lipiodol?
188Re-SSS Lipiodol is a promising new treatment for patients with non-operable hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed[1]. The active substance in this treatment is [188Re]-BIS(PERTHIOBENZOATO)(DITHIOBENZOATO)RHENIUM (III), a chemical compound that contains a radioactive form of rhenium[1].
How Does It Work?
This treatment works through a process called Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT). In this procedure, the radioactive substance is injected directly into the arteries that supply blood to the liver tumor[1]. The radiation emitted by the rhenium compound helps to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy liver tissue.
Who Can Benefit from This Treatment?
This treatment is specifically designed for patients with:
- Non-operable hepatocellular carcinoma: This means the liver cancer cannot be surgically removed[1].
- ECOG Performance Status 0-1: This indicates that the patient is either fully active or restricted in physically strenuous activity but able to carry out light work[1].
- Tumor involvement less than 50% of the liver[1].
- BCLC classification A to C: This refers to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, which helps determine the extent of the disease[1].
However, this treatment may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with certain conditions, such as inadequate blood cell counts, liver or kidney function, or those who have recently undergone other treatments for liver cancer, may not be eligible[1].
The Treatment Process
The treatment involves:
- Pre-treatment assessment: Doctors will perform various tests to ensure you’re eligible for the treatment[1].
- Injection procedure: The 188Re-SSS Lipiodol is injected into the arteries feeding the liver tumor through a process called intraarterial use[1].
- Monitoring: After the treatment, you’ll be closely monitored for any side effects and to assess the treatment’s effectiveness[1].
Effectiveness of the Treatment
The ongoing clinical trial aims to evaluate how effective this treatment is. The main things they’re looking at include:
- Objective response rate: This measures how well the tumor responds to treatment within 6 months[1].
- Time to liver progression: This measures how long it takes for the liver cancer to start growing again[1].
- Progression-free survival: This looks at how long patients live without their cancer getting worse[1].
- Overall survival: This measures how long patients live after starting the treatment[1].
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
As with any medical treatment, there may be side effects. The clinical trial excludes patients with certain conditions to minimize risks. These include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women[1]
- Patients with other types of cancer[1]
- Those with severe arterial problems or chronic respiratory insufficiency[1]
It’s important to discuss potential risks and side effects with your healthcare provider.
Ongoing Research and Future Prospects
This treatment is currently being studied in a Phase II clinical trial. This means it has already shown promise in earlier studies, and researchers are now looking at its effectiveness in a larger group of patients[1]. If the results are positive, it could become an important new option for patients with non-operable liver cancer.
As research continues, we may learn more about how effective this treatment is and who it might help the most. It’s an exciting development in the field of liver cancer treatment, offering hope to patients who may have limited options.



