Yttrium-90 radioembolization for liver malignancies: prognostic factors associated with survival

Recommendations for the management of yttrium-90 radioembolization in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases: a multidisciplinary review

PURPOSE

Strategies for the treatment of liver metastases from colon cancer (lmCRC) are constantly evolving. Radioembolization with yttrium 90 (Y-90 TARE) has made significant advancements in treating liver tumors and is now considered a potential option allowing for future resection. This study reviewed the scientific evidence and developed recommendations for using Y-90 TARE as a treatment strategy for patients with unresectable lmCRC.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary scientific committee, consisting of experts in medical oncology, hepatobiliary surgery, radiology, and nuclear medicine, all with extensive experience in treating patients with ImCRC with Y-90 TARE, led this project. The committee established the criteria for conducting a comprehensive literature review on Y-90 TARE in the treatment of lmCRC. The data extraction process involved addressing initial preliminary inquiries, which were consolidated into a final set of questions.

RESULTS

This review offers recommendations for treating patients with lmCRC using Y-90 TARE, addressing four areas covering ten common questions: 1) General issues (multidisciplinary tumor committee, indications for treatment, contraindications); 2) Previous process (predictive biomarkers for patient selection, preintervention tests, published evidence); 3) Procedure (standard procedure); and 4) Post-intervention follow-up (potential toxicity and its management, parameters for evaluation, quality of life).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the insights of the multidisciplinary committee, this document offers a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects involved in the management of Y-90 TARE. It synthesizes recommendations for applying Y-90 TARE across various phases of the treatment process.

Dose-response Analysis in Hepatic Tumors Treated with 90Y-TARE According to a Personalized Dosimetric Workflow: Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) is a widespread radiation therapy for unresectable hepatic lesions, but a clear understanding of the dose-response link is still missing. The aim of this preliminary study is to investigate the role of both dosimetric and clinical parameters as classifiers or predictors of response and survival for TARE in hepatic tumors and to present possible response cut-off.

METHODS

20 patients treated with glass or resin microspheres according to a personalized workflow were included. Dosimetric parameters were extracted from personalized absorbed dose maps obtained from the convolution of 90Y PET images with 90Y voxel S-values.

RESULTS

D95 ≥ 104 Gy and tumor mean absorbed dose MADt ≥ 229 Gy were found to be optimal cut-off values for complete response, while D30 ≥ 180 Gy and MADt ≥ 117 Gy were selected as cut-off values for at least partial response and predicted better survival. Clinical parameters Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) didn't show sufficient classification capability for response or survival.

CONCUSION

These preliminary results highlight the importance of an accurate dosimetric evaluation and suggest a cautious approach when considering clinical indicators. Dosimetric cut-off values could be a support tool in both planning and post-treatment phases. Larger multi-centric randomized trials, with standardized methods regarding patient selection, response criteria, Regions of Interest definition, dosimetric approach and activity planning are needed to confirm these promising results.

Inflammatory Scores: Correlation with Clinical Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Transarterial Radioembolization

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), aspartate aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio (ALRI) and systemic-inflammation index (SII) to predict clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing transarterial radioembolization (TARE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-five patients who underwent treatment of 167 HCCs had their pretreatment and 1 month post treatment laboratory values evaluated. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and local PFS models were performed with patients separated by median inflammatory scores.

RESULTS

The median pretreatment NLR, PLR, ALRI and SII were 3.0 (range: 0.5-176), 104.4 (range: 25-830), 55.7 (range: 7.5-2090) and 360.2 (range: 51.1-7207.8), respectively. While the median post treatment NLR, PLR, ALRI and SII were 6.2 (range: 0.4-176), 180 (range: 35-2100), 125 (range: 15.9-5710) and 596.8 (range: 28.9-19,320), respectively. OS models showed significant differences when separating the groups by median post treatment NLR (p = 0.003) and SII (p = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression models for OS with all pre and post treatment inflammatory markers (log-scale) as well as tumor size, AFP and Child-Pugh score showed significant pretreatment NLR [HR: 0.22 (95% CI:0.06-0.75), p = 0.016] and SII [3.52 (95% CI: 1.01-12.3), p = 0.048], as well as post treatment NLR [6.54 (95% CI: 1.57-27.2), p = 0.010] and SII [0.20 (95% CI: 0.05-0.82), p = 0.025] association. The post treatment ALRI (p = 0.010) correlated with PFS while, post treatment NLR (p < 0.001), ALRI (p = 0.024) and SII (p = 0.005) correlated with local PFS.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment and post treatment NLR and SII may be associated with OS and post treatment ALRI may be associated with both PFS and local PFS in HCC patients undergoing TARE.

Dynamic Lymphocyte Changes Following Transarterial Radioembolization: Association with Normal Liver Dose and Effect on Overall Survival

Objective

To evaluate the dynamic changes of lymphocytes following transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their relationship to normal liver dose (NLD).

Materials and Methods

A total of 93 patients who underwent 102 treatments were retrospectively reviewed. Absolute lymphocyte counts pretreatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were evaluated. Kaplan–Meier, Spearman correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were performed.

Results

The mean absolute lymphocyte count at baseline was 1.25 ± 0.79 10³/µL which was significantly greater than 1 (0.71 ± 0.47 10³/µL, p<0.0001), 3 (0.79 ± 0.77 10³/µL, p=0.0003), and 6 (0.81 ± 0.44 10³/µL, p=0.0001) months, but not significantly different than 12 (0.92 ± 0.8 10³/µL, p=0.12) months post treatment. There was a modest negative correlation between NLD and lymphocyte count at 1 month (rho= −0.216, p=0.03), which strengthened at 3 months post treatment (rho= −0.342, p=0.008). AUC of ROC analysis between absolute lymphocyte count ≤1 10³/µL or >1 10³/µL at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post treatment was 0.625, 0.676, 0.560, and 0.794, respectively. Univariate analysis of overall survival when separating patients by a lymphocyte count of ≤1 10³/µL and >1 10³/µL demonstrated a significant difference at 1 (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33–0.95, p=0.03), 3 (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18–0.94, p=0.035) and 6 (HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17–0.77, p=0.008) months post treatment, but not pretreatment or at 12 months.

Conclusion

NLD may correlate with lymphocyte depression at 1 and 3 months and lymphopenia may portend a worse overall survival in the post treatment setting.

Prognostic value of lung shunt fraction in hepatocellular carcinoma and unresectable liver dominant metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing transarterial radioembolisation

AIM

To assess the overall survival and determine whether pre-TARE shunt fraction, tumor volume and tumor marker impact the outcome.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 75 patients who were referred for 90Y-glass microsphere radioembolisation by a joint clinic decision between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. All patients underwent pre-TARE CECT and 99mTc-MAA lung shunt fraction (LSF) imaging.

RESULTS

Overall survival was 19 months for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 24 months for metastatic colorectal carcinoma. For hepatocellular carcinoma-LSF higher than 6.51 % was predictive of significantly decreased survival (P value 0.00). A progressive disease in survival was observed as LSF increased from less than 6.51 % to more than 20%. Tumor volume and tumor marker did show correlation with patient outcomes. For metastatic colorectal carcinoma-LSF and tumor marker did not show significant correlation with survival and tumor volume showed significant correlation with survival with P value of 0.049.

Prognostic Significance of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Dynamics in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Radioembolization Using Glass Microspheres

PURPOSE

To study the prognostic significance of neutrophil and lymphocyte dynamics in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radioembolization.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center review of clinical records and treatment parameters (liver volume treated, administered activity, and radiation dose) in consecutive patients who received radioembolization for HCC was performed between August 20, 2015, and May 24, 2019. Neutrophil and lymphocyte variables associated with overall survival (OS) were determined by Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage and were correlated with radioembolization treatment parameters. Statistical methods included Wilcoxon signed-rank test, univariate, and multivariate Cox regression analysis; receiver operating characteristic analysis; and the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-three patients with a median 67.0 years of age were included for analysis. Eighty-one percent of patients received segmental radioembolization with a median treatment dose of 358 Gray (interquartile range 256-497). The post-treatment lymphocyte count decreased significantly in 94.5 % (p < 0.001) of patients but was not predictive of OS (p = 0.248). The pre-procedure neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR_pre) was not predictive of OS (p = 0.891), and the 1-month post-procedure NLR was a borderline independent predictor of OS (p = 0.05). The NLR ratio (NLRR = NLR_{post-procedure}/NLR_pre) (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% Cl, 1.04-1.66) and change in NLR (ΔNLR= NLR_{post-procedure} - NLR_pre) (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.15) were associated with worse OS in BCLC C patients. NLRR (> 3.17) and ΔNLR (> 3.74) were independent predictors when adjusted for tumor presentation, treatment parameters, and liver function. Volume of liver treated and administered activity positively correlated with NLRR and ΔNLR (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A decrease in lymphocyte count is common after radioembolization, but of little clinical impact. Neither pre-treatment or post-treatment NLR was a predictor of survival in our study population. NLRR and ΔNLR were independent predictors of survival in BCLC stage C disease and had positive correlations with volume of liver tissue treated and administered activity.

Liver Embolisation for Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Liver embolisation is one of the treatment options available for patients diagnosed with neuro-endocrine neoplasms (NEN). It is still uncertain whether the benefits of the various types of embolisation treatments truly outweigh the complications in NENs. This systematic review assesses the available data relating to liver embolisation in patients with NENs.

METHODS

Eligible studies (identified using MEDLINE-PubMed) were those reporting data on NEN patients who had undergone any type of liver embolisation. The primary end points were best radiological response and symptomatic response; secondary end-points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity.

RESULTS

Of 598 studies screened, 101 were eligible: 16 were prospective (15.8%). The eligible studies included a total of 5,545 NEN patients, with a median of 39 patients per study (range 5-214). Pooled rate of partial response was 36.6% (38.9% achieved stable disease) and 55.2% of patients had a symptomatic response to therapy when pooled data were analysed. The median PFS and OS were 18.4 months (95% CI 15.5-21.2) and 40.7 months (95% CI 35.2-46.2) respectively. The most common toxicities were found to be abdominal pain (48.8%) and nausea (48.1%). Outcome did not significantly vary depending on the type of embolisation performed.

CONCLUSION

Liver embolisation provides adequate symptom relief for patients with carcinoid syndrome and is also able to reach partial response in a significant proportion of patients and a reasonable PFS. Quality of studies was limited, highlighting the need of further prospective studies to confirm the most suitable form of liver embolisation in NENs.

Prediction of survival according to kinetic changes of cytokines and hepatitis status following radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y90-RE) may exert an immunomodulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether the host immune alterations after Y90-RE correlated with outcomes and whether Y90-RE affects viral hepatitis reactivation remains unclear.

METHODS

Between July 2014 and July 2015, 18 patients undergoing Y90-RE for HCC were prospectively enrolled. Serum levels of virological markers, cytokines and chemokines were measured at baseline, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after Y90-RE. Factors associated with the clinical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The disease control rate of Y90-RE was 44.4% (8 of 18) at 12 weeks, including 1 case with complete response, 4 cases with partial response, and 3 cases with stable disease. Significant elevation from baseline to week 2 and week 4 were noted in IL-10 level (8.4 ± 33.8, 15.7 ± 31.6, and 16.0 ± 41.7 pg/mL, P = 0.041 and 0.013, respectively) and IP-10 level (113.5 ± 97.8, 189.1 ± 164.4, and 168.6 ± 150.5 pg/mL, P = 0.027 and 0.026, respectively). After Y90-RE, transient HBV reactivation occurred in 2 patients, and 1 out of 3 HCV-infected patients exhibited HCV reactivation. Univariate analysis revealed that lower baseline IP-10 (≤200 pg/mL) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (≤50 U/L) levels were associated with better overall survival. Multivariate analysis identified an IP-10 level of 200 pg/mL (HR = 4.374, P = 0.045) as a predictor of overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Baseline serum IP-10 level is a predictor of survival for HCC patients undergoing Y90-RE. HBV and HCV reactivation may develop after Y90-RE treatment.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Outcome prediction with MRI derived fat-free muscle area

PURPOSE

Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes in several gastrointestinal malignancies and liver cirrhosis. We aimed to study the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived fat-free muscle area (FFMA) to predict clinical outcome in patients receiving yttrium-90 radioembolization (RE) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with unresectable HCC and pre-interventional liver MRI undergoing salvage RE were retrospectively evaluated. Using axial T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences, FFMA was calculated by subtraction of the intramuscular adipose tissue area from the total cross-sectional area of paraspinal skeletal muscles at the superior mesenteric artery level. FFMA values lower than 3582 mm² in male and 2301 mm² in female patients were defined as low FFMA. Main outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). For outcome analysis, the Kaplan-Meier method with log rank test and multivariate cox regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

Mean time from pre-interventional MRI to RE was 27 ± 20 days. Median OS and PFS after RE were 250 (range: 21-1230 days) and 156 days (range: 21-674 days), respectively. Patients with low FFMA showed significantly reduced OS (197 vs. 294 days, P = 0.024) and tended to have shortened PFS (109 vs. 185 days, P = 0.068). Low FFMA (HR 2.675; P = 0.011), estimated liver tumor burden (HR 4.058; P = 0.001), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (1.763; P = 0.009) were independent predictors of OS on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

FFMA as a measure of sarcopenia predicts OS and might represent a promising new biomarker for survival prognosis in patients undergoing RE for treatment of unresectable HCC.

Fat-free muscle area measured by magnetic resonance imaging predicts overall survival of patients undergoing radioembolization of colorectal cancer liver metastases

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinical potential of fat-free muscle area (FFMA) to predict outcome in patients with liver-predominant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) undergoing radioembolization (RE) with ⁹⁰Yttrium microspheres.

METHODS

Patients with mCRC who underwent RE in our center were included in this retrospective study. All patients received liver magnetic resonance imaging including standard T2-weighted images. The total erector spinae muscle area and the intramuscular adipose tissue area were measured at the level of the origin of the superior mesenteric artery and subtracted to calculate FFMA. Cutoff values for definition of low FFMA were 3644 mm² in men and 2825 mm² in women. The main outcome was overall survival (OS). For survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regressions comparing various clinic-oncological parameters which potentially may affect OS were performed.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients (28 female, mean age 60 ± 11 years) were analyzed. Mean time between MRI and the following RE was 17 ± 31 days. Median OS after RE was 178 days. Patients with low FFMA had significantly shortened OS compared to patients with high FFMA (median OS: 128 vs. 273 days, p = 0.017). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, OS was best predicted by FFMA (hazard ratio (HR) 2.652; p < 0.001). Baseline bilirubin (HR 1.875; p = 0.030), pattern of tumor manifestation (HR 1.679; p = 0.001), and model of endstage liver disease (MELD) score (HR 1.164; p < 0.001) were also significantly associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

FFMA was associated with OS in patients receiving RE for treatment of mCRC and might be a new prognostic biomarker for survival prognosis.

KEY POINTS

• Fat-free muscle area (FFMA) as a measure of lean muscle area predicts survival in metastatic colorectal liver cancer following radioembolization. • FFMA can easily be assessed from routine pre-interventional liver magnetic resonance imaging. • FFMA might be a new promising biomarker for assessment of sarcopenia.

Factors Affecting Oncologic Outcomes of 90Y Radioembolization of Heavily Pre-Treated Patients With Colon Cancer Liver Metastases

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of overall (OS) and liver progression-free survival (LPFS) following Yttrium-90 radioembolization (RAE) of heavily pretreated patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM), as well as to create and validate a predictive nomogram for OS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Metabolic, anatomic, laboratory, pathologic, genetic, primary disease, and procedure-related factors, as well as pre- and post-RAE therapies in 103 patients with CLM treated with RAE from September 15, 2009 to March 21, 2017 were analyzed. LPFS was defined by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors 1.1 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. Prognosticators of OS and LPFS were selected using univariate Cox regression, adjusted for clustering and competing risk analysis (for LPFS), and subsequently tested in multivariate analysis (MVA). The nomogram was built using R statistical software and internally validated using bootstrap resampling.

RESULTS

Patients received RAE at a median of 30.9 months (range, 3.4-161.7 months) after detection of CLM. The median OS and LPFS were 11.3 months (95% confidence interval, 7.9-15.1 months) and 4 months (95% confidence interval, 3.3-4.8 months), respectively. Of the 40 parameters tested, 6 were independently associated with OS in MVA. These baseline parameters included number of extrahepatic disease sites (P < .001), carcinoembryonic antigen (P < .001), albumin (P = .005), alanine aminotransferase level (P < .001), tumor differentiation level (P < .001), and the sum of the 2 largest tumor diameters (P < .001). The 1-year OS of patients with total points of < 25 versus > 80 was 90% and 10%, respectively. Bootstrap resampling showed good discrimination (optimism corrected c-index = 0.745) and calibration (mean absolute prediction error = 0.299) of the nomogram. Only baseline maximum standardized uptake value was significant in MVA for LPFS prediction (P < .001; SHR = 1.06).

CONCLUSION

The developed nomogram included 6 pre-RAE parameters and provided good prediction of survival post-RAE in heavily pretreated patients. Baseline maximum standardized uptake value was the single significant predictor of LPFS.

Predictors of Survival after Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

PURPOSE

To identify clinical parameters that are prognostic for improved overall survival (OS) after yttrium-90 radioembolization (RE) in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 131 patients who underwent RE for liver metastases from CRC, treated at 2 academic centers, were reviewed. Twenty-one baseline pretreatment clinical factors were analyzed in relation to OS by the Kaplan-Meier method along with log-rank tests and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The median OS from first RE procedure was 10.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.4-12.7 months). Several pretreatment factors, including lower carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; ≤20 ng/mL), lower aspartate transaminase (AST; ≤40 IU/L), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) <5, and absence of extrahepatic disease at baseline were associated with significantly improved OS after RE, compared with high CEA (>20 ng/mL), high AST (>40 IU/L), NLR ≥5, and extrahepatic metastases (P values of <.001, <.001, .0001, and .04, respectively). On multivariate analysis, higher CEA, higher AST, NLR ≥5, extrahepatic disease, and larger volume of liver metastases remained independently associated with risk of death (hazard ratios of 1.63, 2.06, 2.22, 1.48, and 1.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of patients with metastases from CRC is impacted by a complex set of clinical parameters. This analysis of pretreatment factors identified lower AST, lower CEA, lower NLR, and lower tumor burden (intra- or extrahepatic) to be independently associated with higher survival after hepatic RE. Optimal selection of patients with CRC liver metastases may improve survival rates after administration of yttrium-90.

Predictors and prognosticators for survival with Yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis

This critical review aims to explore predictive and prognostic biomarkers of Yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization therapy of colorectal liver metastases. A brief overview of established predictive and prognostic molecular and genetic biomarkers in colorectal cancer therapies will be discussed. A review of the literature on imaging modalities, genetic, metabolic and other molecular markers and the subsequent outcomes in post-Y90 treatment will be presented. How these biomarkers and future biomarker research can inform locoregional treatment decisions in the clinical setting of metastatic colorectal cancer lesions of the liver will be explored. There are opportunities for personalized cancer treatment in the setting of Y90 radioembolization. The ability to predict tumor response after Ytrium-90 radioembolization therapy can greatly impact clinical decision making and enhance treatment outcomes, therefore further research into the field is needed.

Prognostic value of pretreatment diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for outcome prediction of colorectal cancer liver metastases undergoing 90Y-microsphere radioembolization

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical potential of pretreatment apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) for therapy response and outcome prediction in patients with liver-predominant metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing radioembolization with ⁹⁰Yttrium-microspheres (90Y-RE).

METHODS

Forty-six consecutive patients with unresectable CRC liver metastases underwent standardized clinical DWI on a 1.5 T MR scanner prior to and 4-6 weeks after 90Y-RE. Pretreatment clinical parameters, ADC values derived from region-of-interest analysis, and the corresponding tumor sizes of three treated liver metastases per subject were recorded. Long-term tumor response to radioembolization was categorized into response (partial remission) and nonresponse (stable disease, progressive disease) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 (RECIST) 3 months after treatment. Associations between long-term tumor response and the clinical and imaging parameters were evaluated. The impact of pretreatment clinical and imaging parameters on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was further assessed by Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox-regression analyses.

RESULTS

Nonresponders had higher hepatic tumor burden (p = 0.021) and lower ADC values than patients responding to 90Y-RE, both pretreatment (986 ± 215 vs. 1162 ± 178; p = 0.036) and posttreatment (1180 ± 350 vs. 1598 ± 225; p = 0.002). ADC values higher than 935 × 10^-6 mm² (5 vs. 3 months; p = 0.022) and hepatic tumor burden ≤25% (6 vs. 3 months; p = 0.014) were associated with longer median PFS, whereas ADC >935 × 10^-6 mm² (14 vs. 6 months; p = 0.02), hepatic tumor burden ≤25% (14 vs. 6 months; p = 0.048), size of the largest metastasis <4.7 cm (18 vs. 7 months; p = 0.024), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score <1 (8 vs. 5 months; p = 0.045) were associated with longer median OS. On multivariate analysis, ADC >935 × 10^-6 mm² and hepatic tumor burden ≤25% remained prognostic factors for PFS, and ADC >935 × 10^-6 mm² and size of the largest metastasis <4.7 cm were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment ADC on DWI represents a valuable prognostic biomarker for predicting both the therapeutic efficacy and survival prognosis in CRC liver metastases treated by 90Y-RE, allowing risk stratification and potentially optimizing further treatment strategies.

The value of intravoxel incoherent motion model-based diffusion-weighted imaging for outcome prediction in resin-based radioembolization of breast cancer liver metastases

Purpose

To evaluate prognostic values of clinical and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-derived intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters in patients undergoing primary radioembolization for metastatic breast cancer liver metastases.

Subjects and methods

A total of 21 females (mean age 54 years, range 43–72 years) with liver-dominant metastatic breast cancer underwent standard liver magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 T, diffusion-weighted imaging with b-values of 0, 50, and 800 s/mm²) before and 4–6 weeks after radioembolization. The IVIM model-derived estimated diffusion coefficient D’ and the perfusion fraction f’ were evaluated by averaging the values of the two largest treated metastases in each patient. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses for overall survival (OS) were performed. Investigated parameters were changes in f’- and D’-values after therapy, age, sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, grading of primary tumor, hepatic tumor burden, presence of extrahepatic disease, baseline bilirubin, previous bevacizumab therapy, early stasis during radioembolization, chemotherapy after radioembolization, repeated radioembolization and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) response at 6-week follow-up.

Results

Median OS after radioembolization was 6 (range 1.5–54.9) months. In patients with therapy-induced decreasing or stable f’-values, median OS was significantly longer than in those with increased f’-values (7.6 [range 2.6–54.9] vs 2.6 [range 1.5–17.4] months, P<0.0001). Longer median OS was also seen in patients with increased D’-values (6 [range 1.6–54.9] vs 2.8 [range 1.5–17.4] months, P=0.008). Patients with remission or stable disease (responders) according to RECIST survived longer than nonresponders (7.2 [range 2.6–54.9] vs 2.6 [range 1.5–17.4] months, P<0.0001). An ECOG status ≤1 resulted in longer median OS than >1 (7.6 [range 2.6–54.9] vs 1.7 [range 1.5–4.5] months, P<0.0001). Pretreatment IVIM parameters and the other clinical characteristics were not associated with OS. Classification by f’-value changes and ECOG status remained as independent predictors of OS on multivariate analysis, while RECIST response and D’-value changes did not predict survival.

Conclusion

Following radioembolization of breast cancer liver metastases, early changes in the IVIM model-derived perfusion fraction f’ and baseline ECOG score were predictive of patient outcome, and may thus help to guide treatment strategy.

Evaluation of Liver Biomarkers as Prognostic Factors for Outcomes to Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Primary and Secondary Liver Malignancies

The objective of this study was to examine indicators of liver function and inflammation for prognostic value in predicting outcomes to yttrium-90 radioembolization (RE). In a retrospective analysis, markers of liver function and inflammation, biomarkers required to stage liver function and inflammation, and data regarding survival, tumor response, and progression after RE were recorded. Univariate regression models were used to investigate the prognostic value of liver biomarkers in predicting outcome to RE as measured by survival, tumor progression, and radiographic and biochemical tumor response. Markers from all malignancy types were analyzed together. A subgroup analysis was performed on markers from patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. A total of 31 patients received RE from 2004 to 2014. Median survival after RE for all malignancies combined was 13.6 months (95% CI: 6.7-17.6 months). Results from an exploratory analysis of patient data suggest that liver biomarkers, including albumin concentrations, international normalized ratio, bilirubin concentrations, and the model for end-stage liver disease score, possess prognostic value in predicting outcomes to RE.

Variable Use of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Exception Points in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors Metastatic to the Liver and Its Impact on Patient Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The role of liver transplantation in management of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is controversial. Because many such patients have low waitlist priority, centers may apply for model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) exception points to increase likelihood of receiving a liver transplant. No formal criteria exist for application or receipt of exception points for this indication. Few studies have assessed waitlist and posttransplantation outcomes in patients with metastatic NETs, and none examined the impact of exception points.

METHODS

We analyzed all adult patients waitlisted for liver transplantation for metastatic NETs between February 27, 2002, and June 4, 2014, and fit a multivariable model to evaluate the association between exception point status and posttransplantation outcomes.

RESULTS

There was variable use of MELD exception points across the United Network for Organ Sharing regions. Patients with an approved MELD exception were nearly twice as likely to be transplanted as those without exceptions (70.8% vs 39.1%, P < 0.001), and half as likely to be removed for death or clinical deterioration (9.2% vs 18.2%, P = 0.046). In multivariable models, posttransplantation survival was not associated with receipt of exception points, whereas risk of posttransplant mortality increased significantly with elevated serum total bilirubin level at transplantation. The 3-year posttransplant patient survival was 78% in transplant recipients with metastatic NETs whose total bilirubin level at transplantation was 1.3 mg/dL or less, compared to 36% in those with total bilirubin greater than 1.3 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum total bilirubin may serve as a predictor of poor posttransplant survival in patients with metastatic NETs and could help risk-stratify patients applying for MELD exception points.

PET/CT-Based Dosimetry in 90Y-Microsphere Selective Internal Radiation Therapy: Single Cohort Comparison With Pretreatment Planning on (99m)Tc-MAA Imaging and Correlation With Treatment Efficacy

⁹⁰Y PET/CT can be acquired after ⁹⁰Y-microsphere selective radiation internal therapy (SIRT) to describe radioactivity distribution. We performed dosimetry using ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT data to evaluate treatment efficacy and appropriateness of activity planning from (99m)Tc-MAA scan and SPECT/CT. Twenty-three patients with liver malignancy were included in the study. (99m)Tc-MAA was injected during planning angiography and whole body (99m)Tc-MAA scan and liver SPECT/CT were acquired. After SIRT using ⁹⁰Y-resin microsphere, ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT was acquired. A partition model (PM) using 4 compartments (tumor, intarget normal liver, out-target normal liver, and lung) was adopted, and absorbed dose to each compartment was calculated based on measurements from (99m)Tc-MAA SPECT/CT and ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT, respectively, to be compared with each other. Progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated in terms of tumor absorbed doses calculated by (99m)Tc-MAA SPECT/CT and ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT results. Lung shunt fraction was overestimated on (99m)Tc-MAA scan compared with ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT (0.060 ± 0.037 vs. 0.018 ± 0.026, P < 0.01). Tumor absorbed dose exhibited a close correlation between the results from (99m)Tc-MAA SPECT/CT and ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT (r = 0.64, P < 0.01), although the result from (99m)Tc-MAA SPECT/CT was significantly lower than that from ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT (135.4 ± 64.2 Gy vs. 185.0 ± 87.8 Gy, P < 0.01). Absorbed dose to in-target normal liver was overestimated on (99m)Tc-MAA SPECT/CT compared with PET/CT (62.6 ± 38.2 Gy vs. 45.2 ± 32.0 Gy, P = 0.02). Absorbed dose to out-target normal liver did not differ between (99m)Tc-MAA SPECT/CT and ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT (P = 0.49). Patients with tumor absorbed dose >200 Gy on ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT had longer PFS than those with tumor absorbed dose ≤200 Gy (286 ± 56 days vs. 92 ± 20 days, P = 0.046). Tumor absorbed dose calculated by (99m)Tc-MAA SPECT/CT was not a significant predictor for PFS. Activity planning based on (99m)Tc-MAA scan and SPECT/CT can be effectively used as a conservative method. Post-SIRT dosimetry based on ⁹⁰Y-microsphere PET/CT is an effective method to predict treatment efficacy.

A single-center experience in radioembolization as salvage therapy of hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma

BACKGROUND

Overall survival (OS) of patients with hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma is strongly linked with hepatic tumor control. Due to the lack of an effective systemic chemotherapy, locoregional therapies like radioembolization should play an increasingly important role.

PURPOSE

To report complications and response rates of radioembolization as salvage therapy for hepatic uveal melanoma metastases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between October 2006 and January 2014, eight patients (age, 59.1 ± 15.3 years; 5 men) with histologically proven uveal melanoma and hepatic metastases received radioembolization with glass microspheres at a single center. All patients had been heavily pretreated with multiple systemic/locoregional therapies resulting in a long median interval between diagnosis of hepatic metastases and radioembolization (17.1 months; range, 6.4-23.2 months). Follow-up consisted of clinical assessment, laboratory tests and tri-phasic computed tomography (CT) before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after radioembolization. Response to therapy was evaluated by CT using RECIST version 1.1 and by survival time. Safety (laboratory and clinical toxicity) was rated according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 4.03. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis time to progression of hepatic metastases (hTTP) and OS were calculated.

RESULTS

One month after radioembolization 50% of patients presented with stable and 50% with progressive disease. Median hTTP and OS after radioembolization were 4.3 weeks (range, 3.4-28.6 weeks) and 12.3 weeks (range, 3.7-62.6 weeks), respectively. Median OS after diagnosis of hepatic metastases was 19.9 months (range, 7.3-31.4 months). Radioembolization was tolerated well in all patients without toxicity higher than grade 2.

CONCLUSION

Radioembolization is a safe salvage therapy even in heavily pretreated hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma.

Factors affecting periprocedural morbidity and mortality and long-term patient survival after arterial embolization of hepatic neuroendocrine metastases

PURPOSE

To identify factors affecting periprocedural morbidity and mortality and long-term survival following hepatic artery embolization (HAE) of hepatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center, institutional review board-approved retrospective review included 320 consecutive HAEs for NET metastases performed in 137 patients between September 1996 and September 2007. Forty-seven HAEs (15%) were performed urgently to manage refractory symptoms in inpatients (urgent group), and 273 HAEs (85%) were elective (elective group). Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methodology. Complications were categorized per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent predictors for OS, complications, and 30-day mortality. The independent factors were combined to develop clinical risk score groups.

RESULTS

Urgent HAE (P = .007), greater than 50% liver replacement by tumor (P < .0001), and extrahepatic metastasis (P = .007) were independent predictors for shorter OS. Patients with all three risk factors had decreased OS versus those with none (median, 8.5 vs 86 mo; P < .001). Thirty-day mortality was significantly lower in the elective (1%) versus the urgent group (8.5%; P = .0009). There were eight complications (3%) in the elective group and five (10.6%) in the urgent group (P = .03). Male sex and urgent group were independent factors for higher 30-day mortality rate (P = .023 and P =.016, respectively) and complications (P = .012 and P =.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent HAE, replacement of more than 50% of liver by tumor, and extrahepatic metastasis are strong independent predictors of shorter OS. Male sex and urgent HAE carry higher 30-day mortality and periprocedural morbidity risks.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization stops progression of targeted breast cancer liver metastases after failed chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To determine, in an open-label, retrospective report, the safety and effectiveness of locoregional therapy with yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization for patients with progressing breast cancer liver metastases (BCLMs) despite multi-agent chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five patients with progressing BCLMs and stable extrahepatic disease were treated with radioembolization at a single institution. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed to evaluate clinical and biochemical toxicities, tumor response, overall survival (OS), and time to progression. Radiologic response assessments included Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors in primary index lesions and metabolic activity on positron emission tomography (PET). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The mortality rate at 30 days was 4% (n = 3). Clinical toxicity and hyperbilirubinemia of grade 3 or worse occurred in 7.6% (n = 5) and 5.9% of patients (n = 4), respectively. Partial response (PR) was seen in 35.3% of patients (n = 24), stable disease (SD) in 63.2% (n = 43), and progressive disease in 1.5% (n = 1). PET imaging was available in 25 patients, and 21 (84%) had a complete response, PR, or SD. The median OS was 6.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0-9.2 mo). The hazard ratio (HR) for OS on multivariate analysis was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.23-0.66) for tumor burden less than 25% compared with greater burden. Elevated bilirubin levels were shown to reduce OS. The HR for hepatic progression was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.05-0.98) for solitary versus multifocal disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Locoregional therapy with (90)Y radioembolization is safe and stops or delays the progression of targeted chemorefractory BCLMs. Adverse prognosticators were identified.

Radioembolization for colorectal cancer liver metastases: current role and future opportunities – the medical oncologist’s perspective

SUMMARY 

The liver is the most common and often the only site of metastatic disease in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. For patients who do not have resectable disease, a number of liver-directed therapies are increasingly being used in routine clinical practice, including yttrium-90 radioembolization. The challenge for the medical oncologist is how best to integrate this promising new option into routine practice in the setting of ever-evolving standard systemic therapy options. Here we review the most recent data on the efficacy and safety of yttrium-90, considerations when selecting patients for treatment and we examine the potential impact of current clinical trials.

Towards new response criteria in neuroendocrine tumors: which changes in MRI parameters are associated with longer progression-free survival after radioembolization of liver metastases?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association of therapy-related changes in imaging parameters with progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with unresectable liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETLMs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five radioembolized patients (median age: 62 years; range: 43-75) received a pre- and 3 months posttherapeutic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. The latter were evaluated for tumor size, arterial enhancement, and necrosis pattern. Influences of therapy-related changes on PFS were analyzed. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test, Wilcoxon test, Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

The median percentage decrease in sum of diameters was 9.7% (range: 43.9% decrease to 15.4% increase). Twenty-one patients (47%) showed increased necrosis. Three parameters were associated with significantly longer PFS: a decrease of diameter (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.206; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.058-0.725; P = 0.0139), a decrease in tumor arterial enhancement (HR: 0.143; 95% CI: 0.029-0.696; P = 0.0160), and an increase in necrosis after 3 months (HR: 0.321; 95% CI: 0.104-0.990; P = 0.0480). Multivariate analysis revealed that changes in diameter and arterial enhancement have complementary information and are associated independently with long PFS.

CONCLUSION

A decrease both in sum of diameters and arterial enhancement of metastases, as well as an increase in necrosis, are associated with significantly longer PFS after radioembolization.

Diagnostic accuracy of dynamic gadoxetic-acid-enhanced MRI and PET/CT compared in patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine neoplasms

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic-contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI in comparison to both (18)F-FDG- and (68)Ga-DOTATATE-PET/CT in patients with liver metastases of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with hepatic metastases from NEN were examined both in DCE-MRI and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), using either (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) or (68)Ga-DOTATATE as tracer. DCE-MRI was performed at 3 Tesla with Gd-EOB-DTPA acquiring 48 slices every 2.2 s for 5 min. Three regions of interest (ROIs) representing liver background and liver metastases were defined in fat-saturated T1w three-dimensional GRE MRI sequences in the hepatobiliary phase. Corresponding ROIs were then defined in the DCE-MRI- and in the PET/CT-dataset. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for the differentiation between metastases and liver background for DCE-MRI and PET-CT parameters.

RESULTS

AUC was very high for SUVmean (mean standardized uptake value) derived from (68)Ga-DOTATATE- (AUC = 0.966), and (18)F-FDG-PET/CT (AUC = 0.989). For DCE-MRI parameters, arterial flow fraction and intracellular uptake fraction showed the highest AUCs (AUC = 0.826, AUC = 0.819, respectively). The combination of those two had an AUC of 0.949. The combination of DCE-MRI and PET-CT parameters resulted in the highest AUC.

CONCLUSION

Both PET/CT parameters and DCE-MRI perfusion parameters show a high diagnostic accuracy in the distinction between liver metastases and liver tissue. Our data suggest that both modalities provide complementary information.

Clinical and laboratory toxicity after intra-arterial radioembolization with (90)y-microspheres for unresectable liver metastases

OBJECTIVE

To investigate clinical and laboratory toxicity in patients with unresectable liver metastases, treated with yttrium-90 radioembolization ((90)Y-RE).

METHODS

Patients with liver metastases treated with (90)Y-RE, between February 1(st) 2009 and March 31(st) 2012, were included in this study. Clinical toxicity assessment was based on the reporting in patient's charts. Laboratory investigations at baseline and during a four-month follow-up were used to assess laboratory toxicity according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.02. The occurrence of grade 3-4 laboratory toxicity was stratified according to treatment strategy (whole liver treatment in one session versus sequential sessions). Response assessment was performed at the level of target lesions, whole liver and overall response in accordance with RECIST 1.1 at 3- and 6 months post-treatment. Median time to progression (TTP) and overall survival were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 59 patients, with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (n = 30), neuroendocrine tumors (NET) (n = 6) and other primary tumors (n = 23) were included. Clinical toxicity after (90)Y-RE treatment was confined to grade 1-2 events, predominantly post-embolization symptoms. No grade 3-4 clinical toxicity was observed, whereas laboratory toxicity grade 3-4 was observed in 38% of patients. Whole liver treatment in one session was not associated with increased laboratory toxicity. Three-months disease control rates for target lesions, whole liver and overall response were 35%, 21% and 19% respectively. Median TTP was 6.2 months for target lesions, 3.3 months for the whole liver and 3.0 months for overall response. Median overall survival was 8.9 months.

CONCLUSION

The risk of severe complications or grade 3-4 clinical toxicity in patients with liver metastases of various primary tumors undergoing (90)Y-RE is low. In contrast, laboratory toxicity grade 3-4 can be expected to occur in more than one-third of patients without any clinical signs of radiation induced liver disease.

Initial outcome after selective intraarterial radionuclide therapy with yttrium-90 microspheres as salvage therapy for unresectable metastatic liver disease

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the potential benefit on survival outcomes of selective intraarterial radionuclide therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 microspheres as a salvage therapy in liver metastasis of different tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients who had unresectable liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma (n=23), neuroendocrine tumor (NET; n=12), cholangiocarcinoma (n=9), and others (n=17) received yttrium-90 microspheres. All patients were treated in a salvage setting with an 11-month mean follow-up. Early metabolic treatment response was evaluated by 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET-CT) in the sixth week after treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 61 patients, 32 were alive at the end of the study; median overall survival (OS) was 17.0 ± 2.5 months (95% confidence interval: 11.9-22.0). A subset analysis of colorectal and noncolorectal groups demonstrated median OS rates of 14.0 ± 5.8 and 17.0 ± 4.8 months, respectively (p=0.543). The mean OS for patients with NET and cholangiocarcinoma was 29.0 ± 3.1 months and 17.7 ± 3.2 months, respectively (p=0.010). According to the early metabolic treatment response, the mean OS of responder and nonresponder groups was 32.0 ± 5.6 months and 11.4 ± 2.1 months, respectively (p=0.054). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status <1 (p=0.018) and chemotherapy-naive patients (p=0.008) showed significant correlation with survival.

CONCLUSION

SIRT is an effective treatment option for patients with metastatic liver disease in a salvage setting with acceptable toxicity.

Immunogenic cell death biomarkers HMGB1, RAGE, and DNAse indicate response to radioembolization therapy and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients

Radioembolization therapy (RE) is an efficient locoregional treatment for liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Serum biomarkers involved in immunogenic cell death are potentially valuable for early predicting therapy response and estimating prognosis. In a prospective observation study, blood samples were taken from 49 consecutive colorectal cancer patients with extensive hepatic metastases before, 24 and 48 hr after RE. Serum levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), receptor of glycation end products (RAGE) and activity of desoxyribonuclease were compared with response to therapy regularly determined radiologically 3 months after therapy and with overall survival. Serum levels of HMGB1 were increased already 24 hr after RE, while RAGE levels were decreased and DNAse remained unchanged. In radiological staging, 35 patients demonstrated disease progression while 14 patients had stable disease or remission. Serum HMGB1 levels 24 hr after RE were significantly higher in progressive than in nonprogressive patients while for RAGE and DNAse no difference was observed between the response groups. Concerning overall survival, high pretherapeutic (0 hr) and 24 hr levels of HMGB1 were associated with poor outcome. Multivariate analysis including HMGB1, tumor, liver and inflammation markers revealed HMGB1 and CRP as independent prognostic parameters. HMGB1 is a valuable serum biomarker for early estimation of therapy response and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases undergoing RE therapy.

Evaluation of hepatic tumor response to yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy using texture signatures generated from contrast-enhanced CT images

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the use of texture features generated from liver computed tomographic (CT) datasets as potential image-based indicators of patient response to radioembolization (RE) with yttrium-90 ((90)Y) resin microspheres, an emerging locoregional therapy for advanced-stage liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall posttherapy survival and percent change in serologic tumor marker at 3 months posttherapy represent the primary clinical outcomes in this study. Thirty advanced-stage liver cancer cases (primary and metastatic) treated with RE over a 3-year period were included. Texture signatures for tumor regions, which were delineated to reveal boundaries with normal regions, were computed from pretreatment contrast-enhanced liver CT studies and evaluated for their ability to classify patient serologic response and survival.

RESULTS

A series of systematic leave-one-out cross-validation studies using soft-margin support vector machine (SVM) classifiers showed hepatic tumor texton and local binary pattern (LBP) signatures both achieve high accuracy (96%) in discriminating subjects in terms of their serologic response. The image-based indicators were also accurate in classifying subjects by survival status (80% and 93% accuracy for texton and LBP signatures, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic texture signatures generated from tumor regions on pretreatment triphasic CT studies were highly accurate in differentiating among subjects in terms of serologic response and survival. These image-based computational markers show promise as potential predictive tools in candidate evaluation for locoregional therapy such as RE.

Advances in image-guided intratumoral drug delivery techniques

Image-guided drug delivery provides a means for treating a variety of diseases with minimal systemic involvement while concurrently monitoring treatment efficacy. These therapies are particularly useful to the field of interventional oncology, where elevation of tumor drug levels, reduction of systemic side effects and post-therapy assessment are essential. This review highlights three such image-guided procedures: transarterial chemoembolization, drug-eluting implants and convection-enhanced delivery. Advancements in medical imaging technology have resulted in a growing number of new applications, including image-guided drug delivery. This minimally invasive approach provides a comprehensive answer to many challenges with local drug delivery. Future evolution of imaging devices, image-acquisition techniques and multifunctional delivery agents will lead to a paradigm shift in patient care.

Predictive and prognostic value of circulating nucleosomes and serum biomarkers in patients with metastasized colorectal cancer undergoing Selective Internal Radiation Therapy

Background

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) is a new and effective locoregional anticancer therapy for colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. Markers for prediction of therapy response and prognosis are needed for the individual management of those patients undergoing SIRT.

Methods

Blood samples were prospectively and consecutively taken from 49 colorectal cancer patients with extensive hepatic metastases before, three, six, 24 and 48 h after SIRT to analyze the concentrations of nucleosomes and further laboratory parameters, and to compare them with the response to therapy regularly determined 3 months after therapy and with overall survival.

Results

Circulating nucleosomes, cytokeratin-19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and various liver markers increased already 24 h after SIRT. Pretherapeutical levels of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), asparate-aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as 24 h values of nucleosomes were significantly higher in patients suffering from disease progression (N = 35) than in non-progressive patients (N = 14). Concerning overall survival, CEA, CA 19-9, CYFRA 21-1, CRP, LDH, AST, choline esterase (CHE), gamma-glutamyl-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase (all 0 h, 24 h) and nucleosomes (24 h) were found to be prognostic relevant markers in univariate analyses. In multivariate Cox-Regression analysis, the best prognostic model was obtained for the combination of CRP and AST. When 24 h values were additionally included, nucleosomes (24 h) further improved the existing model.

Conclusion

Panels of biochemical markers are helpful to stratify pretherapeutically colorectal cancer patients for SIR-therapy and to early estimate the response to SIR-therapy.

Arterially directed therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Arterially directed therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma are used for patients who are not candidates for surgery or ablation and for those who need a bridge or down-staging to liver transplantation. These therapies seem to prolong the overall survival when compared with supportive care.

CONCLUSION

Chemoembolization, particle embolization, drug-eluting beads, and radioembolization have been used for locoregional control. This review discusses patient selection, techniques, safety, clinical outcomes, and imaging findings related to these therapies.

Intraprocedural transcatheter intra-arterial perfusion MRI as a predictor of tumor response to chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To prospectively test the hypothesis that transcatheter intraarterial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (TRIP-MRI) measured semiquantitative perfusion reductions during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with tumor response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients (mean age 63 years; range 47-87 years) with 29 tumors underwent chemoembolization in a combined magnetic resonance interventional radiology suite. Intraprocedural tumor perfusion reductions during chemoembolization were monitored using TRIP-MRI. Pre- and postchemoembolization semiquantitative area under the time-signal enhancement curve (AUC) tumor perfusion was measured. Mean tumor perfusion pre- and postchemoembolization were compared using a paired t-test. Imaging follow-up was performed 1-3 months after chemoembolization. We studied the relationship between short-term tumor imaging response and intraprocedural perfusion reductions using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Intraprocedural AUC perfusion value decreased significantly after chemoembolization (342.1 vs. 158.6 arbitrary unit, P < .001). Twenty-six patients with 27 HCCs (n = 27) had follow-up imaging at mean 39 days postchemoembolization. Favorable response was present in 67% of these treated tumors according to necrosis criteria. Fifteen of 16 (94%) tumors with 25%-75% perfusion reductions showed necrosis treatment response compared to only 3 of 11 (27%) tumors with perfusion reductions outside the above range (P = .001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that intraprocedural tumor perfusion reduction and Child-Pugh class were independent factors associated significantly with tumor response (P = .012 and .047, respectively).

CONCLUSION

TRIP-MRI can successfully measure semiquantitative changes in HCC perfusion during chemoembolization. Intraprocedural tumor perfusion reductions are associated with future tumor response.

18F-FDG PET independently predicts survival in patients with cholangiocellular carcinoma treated with 90Y microspheres

PURPOSE

(90)Y radioembolization has emerged as a valuable therapy for intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICC). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic power of FDG PET/CT and that of pretherapeutic scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-labelled macroagglutinated albumin (MAA), an index of tumour vascularization.

METHODS

The study group comprised 26 consecutive patients suffering from nonresectable ICC. Before treatment with radioembolization, all patients underwent MRI of the liver, as well as MAA scintigraphy, which was followed immediately by SPECT(/CT) to quantify the liver-lung shunt fraction. Using image fusion, regions of interest were drawn around the tumours and the entire liver, and the tumour-to-liver quotient was calculated. In addition, FDG PET/CT was performed at baseline and 3 months after radioembolization, and the percentage changes in peak (ΔSUV(max)) and mean (ΔSUV(mean)) FDG uptake and in metabolic tumour volume (ΔVol(2SD)) relative to baseline were calculated. Treatment response at 3 months was also assessed using contrast-enhanced MRI and CT on the basis of standard criteria.

RESULTS

Of 23 patients in whom follow-up MRI was available, 5 (22%) showed a partial response, 15 (65%) stable disease and 3 (13%) progressive disease. The change in all FDG values significantly predicted survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis after radioembolization; ΔVol(2SD) responders had a median survival of 97 weeks versus 30 weeks in nonresponders (P = 0.02), whereas ΔSUV(max) and ΔSUV(mean) responders had a median survival of 114 weeks (responder) versus 19 weeks (nonresponder) and 69 weeks in patients with stable disease (P < 0.05). Pretherapeutic MAA scintigraphy or MRI did not predict survival, nor did the presence of extrahepatic metastases, or prior therapies. Only ΔVol(2SD) was significantly associated with survival by univariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.25; P = 0.04) and multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.20, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

FDG PET/CT was able to predict patient outcome after radioembolization treatment, with the change in metabolically active tumour volume at 3 months being the best independent predictor. High tumour vascularization, as indicated by MAA scintigraphy, was not a prerequisite for successful radioembolization and was even associated with a tendency towards shorter survival.