Hepatic artery chemoembolization in 122 patients with metastatic carcinoid tumor: Lessons learned

Background Hepatic artery chemoembolization (HACE) is a treatment option in the management of metastatic carcinoid. We reviewed our experience to identify potential factors that influence survival. Methods The records of 122 patients with metastatic carcinoid tumor undergoing HACE were reviewed. Log-rank analysis and Cox proportional hazards were applied to identify factors predictive of decreased survival. Results Median follow-up after HACE was 21.5 months. Complications occurred in 23% with periprocedural mortality of 5%. Radiographic tumor regression was seen in 82%, with stabilization of disease in 12%. Median duration of CT response was 19 months. Improvement in symptoms occurred in 92% for median duration of 13 months. HACE resulted in complete normalization of serum pancreastatin in 14%, with greater than 20% reduction in another 66%. Median overall survival was 33.3 months after HACE. Only pancreastatin level >= 5,000 pg/ml was associated with decreased survival by multivariate analysis. Conclusion HACE offers symptom palliation and long-term survival in patients with incurable carcinoid metastases. Although safe, it should be approached cautiously in patients with significant tumor burden as evidenced by pancreastatin levels >= 5,000 pg/ml. We do not recommend whole-liver embolization in these patients but prefer a staged approach to each lobe of the liver.