Conventional Transarterial Chemo embolization Using Streptozocin in Patients with Unresectable Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases

Simple Summary: Neuroendocrine tumors are frequently associated with liver metastases at the time of diagnosis. Trans-catheter arterial embolization with conventional chemoembolization is one of the reference palliative treatment in patients with uncontrolled carcinoid syndrome or progressive disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the tolerability and clinical, biological and radiological tumor response and survival rates in patients with unresectable neuroendocrine liver metastases treated by trans-catheter arterial embolization with conventional chemoembolization, using streptozocin, Lipiodol and embolization microspheres. At the end of 127 procedures, carcinoid syndrome was improved in 69% of patients after treatment; objective response and non-progressive disease were 32% and 70%, respectively. The OS at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years was 91% (IC = 84-99%), 84% (CI = 72-95%), 69% (CI = 53-84%) and 63% (C = 46-81%), respectively. This study suggests that this procedure using streptozocin is an effective and well-tolerated palliative option for patients with unresectable neuroendocrine liver metastases, which can be repeated and induces durable response and disease control Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, biological and radiological responses to, and tolerability of, conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) using streptozocin for unresectable neuroendocrine liver metastases. Patients and Methods: A total of 52 patients with predominant liver disease were treated with cTACE using an emulsion of streptozocin, Lipiodol and embolization particles. A sequential approach was favored in patients with high liver tumor burden. Clinical, biological and radiological responses were evaluated using carcinoid symptoms, biomarkers and mRecist criteria, respectively. Results: A total of 127 procedures were performed with a sequential approach in 65% of patients. All patients received streptozocin and Lipiodol. Carcinoid syndrome was improved in 69% of patients after treatment (p = 0.01). Post-embolization syndrome was reported in 78% of patients. At the end of all cTACE, objective response and non-progressive disease were 32% and 70%, respectively. Progression-free survival was 18.3 +/- 13.3 months (median 14.9) and median overall survival (OS) from start of treatment was 74 months. The OS at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 5 years was 91% (IC = 84-99%), 84% (CI = 72-95%), 69% (CI = 53-84%) and 63% (C = 46-81%), respectively. Conclusions: cTACE using streptozocin is an effective and well-tolerated palliative option for patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases, associated with prolonged survival and delayed time to progression.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the tolerability and clinical, biological and radiological tumor response and survival rates in patients with unresectable neuroendocrine liver metastases treated by trans-catheter arterial embolization with conventional chemoembolization, using streptozocin, Lipiodol, and embolization microspheres. The results showed that this procedure using streptozocin is an effective and well-tolerated palliative option for patients with unresectable neuroendocrine liver metastases, with a high objective response rate and non-progressive disease rate. The overall survival rate at different time points was also encouraging.