Repeat transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for progressive hepatic carcinoid metastases provides results similar to first TACE

Abstract

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is commonly used to treat metastatic carcinoid tumors; however, the management of progressive disease is less clear. We sought to determine if patients with disease progression after TACE would benefit from repeat TACE.

Methods: The records of 27 patients undergoing repeat TACE for radiologic or symptomatic progression after TACE for metastatic carcinoid were reviewed and compared to 122 undergoing first TACE. Overall and progression-free survivals were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Mean disease-free interval after first TACE was 11.8 months. Radiologic response was observed in 61% compared to 82% after first TACE (p=0.058); hormone response in 64% compared to 80% (p=0.159); and symptomatic response in 77% compared to 92% (p=0.053). The complication rate after repeat TACE was lower than after first TACE (p=0.03). Median overall survival was similar after repeat (28.1 months) and first TACE (33.3 months) (p=0.53). Progression-free survival was shorter after repeat TACE but not significantly so. No factor examined could predict survival after repeat TACE.

Conclusion: Repeat TACE for patients with hepatic carcinoid metastases failing first TACE or having evidence of disease progression is safe and offers a viable treatment option.