PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of resin-based yttrium-90 (Y) transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a bridging or downstaging therapy to liver transplantation (LT) in terms of safety, tumor response, recurrence, and survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective analysis of patients with HCC treated with resin-based TARE as bridging or downstaging treatment to LT between January 2006 and April 2021 was performed. TARE-related liver toxicity was assessed. Imaging data were analyzed to assess tumor response. Histopathological analysis of explant livers was performed to assess HCC necrosis. Survival and bridging/downstaging success predictor analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients underwent resin-based TARE with the intention to bridge (33%) or downstage (67%) to LT. Overall, 44% had ≥3 HCC lesions, and 53% had bilobar disease. Median largest tumor diameter was 3.4 cm. TARE was segmental, lobar, and bilobar in 20%, 36%, and 44% of cases, respectively. In total, 17% had Grade 3 bilirubin toxicities. The objective response rate per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours was 72%. Patients meeting the United Network for Organ Sharing Downstaging criteria had higher chances of successful bridging/downstaging. Twenty-three patients were transplanted. Complete pathological response was noted in 30% of explant livers. Posttransplant tumor recurrence occurred in 26% within a median follow-up period of 1,710 days. Estimated 5-year progression-free, disease-specific, and overall survival rates after LT were 89%, 69%, and 89%, respectively. For the entire patient cohort, these survival rates were 87%, 53%, and 70%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Resin-based Y TARE can be considered a valuable treatment option for bridging or downstaging patients with HCC to LT, including patients requiring lobar or bilobar TARE for extensive tumoral disease.