Combined Effects of Yttrium-90 Transarterial Radioembolization around Immunotherapy for Hepatic Metastases from Uveal Melanoma: A Preliminary Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) transarterial radioembolization (TARE) around immunotherapy in patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma (UM).

Materials and methods: From March 2013 to December 2017, 11 patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from UM were treated with TARE around immunotherapy. Two patients received TARE as a first-line treatment followed by immunotherapy. Nine patients received immunotherapy before TARE, and 6 of these patients received additional immunotherapy after TARE. Retrospective review of the clinical data was performed to assess hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS), overall survival (OS), treatment response, and toxicities. The median follow-up period from TARE was 10.5 months (range 1-35.5 months).

Results: The median OS from diagnosis of hepatic metastases was 35.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.0-55.0 months). The median hPFS and OS from the start of TARE were 15.0 months (95% CI 5.9-24.1 months) and 17.0 months (95% CI 1.8-32.2 months), respectively. Complete response was observed in 1 patient (9.1%), partial response in 2 (18.2%), stable disease in 4 (36.4%), and progressive disease in 4 (36.4%). Ten patients had grade 1 or 2 clinical toxicities, and 1 had grade 3 with a peptic ulcer. Six patients had grade 1 or 2 biochemical toxicities and 1 had grade 3, which was related to tumor progression.

Conclusions: The present results suggest that TARE around immunotherapy is safe and effective. The combined treatment may improve hPFS and OS in patients with hepatic metastases from UM.