Prognostic factors for chemoembolization in liver metastasis from endocrine tumors

Background/Aims: The aims of this study were to assess response rates, evaluate side effects and determine prognostic factors for both response and toxicity in patients with liver metastasis from endocrine tumors treated with chemoembolization. Methodology: Data concerning 64 patients who underwent a total of 186 sessions of chemoembolization were retrospectively evaluated and correlated with response and toxicity after chemoembolization. Results: Overall clinical, morphological and biological response rates were 93%, 74% and 52% respectively. Complete control of hormone-related symptoms was obtained in 59% of patients with a mean duration of response of 15 months. Transient major complications occurred after 5.9% of sessions and 3 patients died. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, a non-pancreatic primary and chemoembolization as first-line non-surgical treatment were prognostic factors for clinical response, and <30% of liver involvement for morphological response. A significant increase in morbidity was noted in patients with more than 70% of liver involvement. Conclusions: Hormone-related symptoms were controlled in the majority of patients with a non-pancreatic primary and in those treated with chemoembolization as first-line therapy. Morphological response and toxicity were respectively correlated with liver involvement of less than 30% and greater than 70%.