Liver-Directed Therapies for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Curr Oncol Rep. 2021 Mar 15;23(4):44. doi: 10.1007/s11912-021-01030-0.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To comprehensively synthesise and appraise the available evidence regarding therapies for metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms that exploit the hepatic vasculature to deliver therapy to liver metastases.

Recent findings: Various techniques including transarterial embolisation/chemoembolisation (TAE/TACE) and selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT, also termed radioembolisation [RE]) have been examined in patents with neuroendocrine liver metastases. Variations in the radioactive agents for selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) have been explored, such as the use of Holmium-166, in addition to more established agents such as Yttrium-90. Recent trials have examined the safety and efficacy of combining liver-targeted therapy with systemic treatments, such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. More retrospective case series of liver-directed modalities will not provide additional knowledge. Randomised clinical trials have begun to compare the efficacy of different forms of liver-directed therapies, and also their combination with systemic treatment. Their results are expected to guide optimal treatment sequencing within multimodal concepts.

Keywords: Liver metastases; Neuroendocrine; Radioembolisation; Trans-arterial.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Holmium
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*
  • Radioisotopes
  • Radiotherapy
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes

Substances

  • Holmium-166
  • Radioisotopes
  • Yttrium Radioisotopes
  • Yttrium-90
  • Holmium