Transarterial Chemo and Radioembolization (Yttrium90) of Hepatic Metastasis of Neuroendocrine Tumors: Single Center Experience

The aim of this study was to present our single center experience with short (< 3 months) and intermediate-term (> 3 months) follow-up results of patients who underwent transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 microsphere (Y-90) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatic metastasis of neuroendocrine tumors (hmNETs). The results of 14 patients treated with either Y-90 or TACE were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging follow-up was performed. Efficacy was assessed by clinical and morphologic response. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Eight patients receiving 12 TACE treatments and 6 patients receiving 7 Y-90 treatments. Response rates were similar with two treatments at short-term follow-up, but there were a lower response rate and higher being progressive disease in the TACE group than Y-90 group at intermediate-term follow-up. However, progression-free survival was lower in Y-90 group (7.5 months) than TACE group (18 months). Regarding our limited experience, both Y-90 treatment and TACE have advantages and disadvantages in treatment of patients with hmNETs, however, randomized controlled studies, are needed.