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Radiation therapy
Source: Childhood Hepatocellular Carcinoma, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: December 19, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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NCI patient article for the named subtype within this topic Source-defined subtype article; do not apply its treatment text to every subtype in the umbrella topic.
Context: Types of treatment for childhood hepatocellular carcinoma
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. Hepatocellular carcinoma in children may be treated with internal radiation therapy. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.
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Radioembolization is a type of internal radiation therapy used to treat childhood hepatocellular carcinoma. A very small amount of a radioactive substance is attached to tiny beads that are injected into the hepatic artery (the main artery that supplies blood to the liver) through a thin tube called a catheter. The beads are mixed with a substance that blocks the artery, cutting off blood flow to the tumor. Most of the radiation is trapped near the tumor to kill the cancer cells. This is done to shrink the tumor or to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for children with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Learn more about radiation therapy and its side effects at Radiation Therapy to Treat Cancer and Radiation Therapy Side Effects.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice