Treatment response assessment following transarterial radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

Transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres is an established therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Post-procedural imaging is important for the assessment of both treatment response and procedural complications. A variety of challenging treatment-specific imaging phenomena complicate imaging assessment, such as changes in tumoral size, tumoral and peritumoral enhancement, and extrahepatic complications. A review of the procedural steps, emerging variations, and timelines for post-treatment tumoral and extra-tumoral imaging changes are presented, which may aid the reporting radiologist in the interpretation of post-procedural imaging. Furthermore, a description of post-procedural complications and their significance is provided.

Automated summary

Transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres is a well-established therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, where post-procedural imaging plays a crucial role in assessing treatment response and potential complications. The specific imaging phenomena associated with this treatment, such as changes in tumor size and enhancement, as well as extrahepatic complications, present challenges in imaging assessment but can be better interpreted by understanding procedural steps and timelines for imaging changes. Additionally, a thorough understanding of post-procedural complications and their significance is essential for proper management.