A pilot study on hepatobiliary scintigraphy to monitor regional liver function in yttrium-90 radioembolization

Radioembolization is increasingly used as a bridge to resection (i.e. radiation lobectomy). It combines ipsilateral tumor control with the induction of contralateral hypertrophy to facilitate lobar resection. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the complementary value of hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) before and after radioembolization in the assessment of the future remnant liver. Consecutive patients with liver tumors who underwent HBS before and after yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) radioembolization were included. Regional (treated/non-treated) and whole liver function and volume were determined on HBS and CT. Changes in regional liver function and volume were correlated with the functional liver absorbed doses, determined on 90 Y PET/CT. In addition, the correlation between liver volume and function change was evaluated. Limits of agreement between function and volume changes were wide, showing large individual differences. This implicates that HBS may have a complementary role in the management of patients for radiation lobectomy. function that are accurately detected by HBS. Limits of agreement between function and volume changes after lobar radioembolization were wide, showing large individual differences. This implicates that HBS may have a complementary role in the management of patients for radiation lobectomy.