Yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization for the treatment of liver malignancies: a structured meta-analysis

Eur Radiol. 2009 Apr;19(4):951-9. doi: 10.1007/s00330-008-1211-7. Epub 2008 Nov 7.

Abstract

Radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres ((90)Y-RE), either glass- or resin-based, is increasingly applied in patients with unresectable liver malignancies. Clinical results are promising but overall response and survival are not yet known. Therefore a meta-analysis on tumor response and survival in patients who underwent (90)Y-RE was conducted. Based on an extensive literature search, six groups were formed. Determinants were cancer type, microsphere type, chemotherapy protocol used, and stage (deployment in first-line or as salvage therapy). For colorectal liver metastases (mCRC), in a salvage setting, response was 79% for (90)Y-RE combined with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV), and 79% when combined with 5-FU/LV/oxaliplatin or 5-FU/LV/irinotecan, and in a first-line setting 91% and 91%, respectively. For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), response was 89% for resin microspheres and 78% for glass microspheres. No statistical method is available to assess median survival based on data presented in the literature. In mCRC, (90)Y-RE delivers high response rates, especially if used neoadjuvant to chemotherapy. In HCC, (90)Y-RE with resin microspheres is significantly more effective than (90)Y-RE with glass microspheres. The impact on survival will become known only when the results of phase III studies are published.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Camptothecin / administration & dosage
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Glass
  • Humans
  • Irinotecan
  • Leucovorin / administration & dosage
  • Liver Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Microspheres
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Oxaliplatin
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Organoplatinum Compounds
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes
  • Oxaliplatin
  • Irinotecan
  • Leucovorin
  • Fluorouracil
  • Camptothecin