French Interventional Radiology Centers' Uptake of Transradial Approach and Outpatient Hepatocellular Carcinoma Intra-Arterial Treatments

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the uptake of transradial approach (TRA) and outpatient setting for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among French interventional radiology centers.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a 34-question survey assessing center activity, radial access, and outpatient care. The survey was developed by a working group, tested by two external experts, and distributed to active members of two French radiological societies via a web-based self-reporting questionnaire in March 2022. The survey remained open for eight weeks, with two reminder emails sent to non-responders. Only one answer per center was considered.

Results: Of the 44 responding centers, 39% (17/44) performed TRA for TACE and/or TARE, with post-procedure patient comfort as main motivation. Among the 27 centers not performing TRA, 33% (9/27) reported a lack of technical experience, but all 27 intended to adopt TRA within two years. Only six centers performed TACE or TARE in an outpatient setting. Reasons limiting its implementation included TACE for HCC not being a suitable intervention (61%, 27/44) and organizational barriers (41%, 18/44). Among centers not performing outpatient TACE or TARE, 34% (13/38) said "No," 34% (13/38) said "Maybe," and 32% (12/38) said "Yes" when asked about adopting it within two years.

Conclusion: French interventional radiologists have low TRA uptake for HCC treatment, but TRA adoption potential exists. Respondents were uncertain about performing TACE or TARE in an outpatient setting within a 2-year horizon.

Keywords: Accountable care organizations; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Outpatient; Transarterial chemoembolization; Transarterial radioembolization; Transradial approach.