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Semin intervent Radiol 2024; 41(01): 048-055
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779714
Review Article

Practical Considerations When Choosing Chemoembolization versus Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Ashkan Heshmatzadeh Behzadi
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Leila Haghani
2   Department of Interventional Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York City, New York
,
Donna L. D'Souza
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Siobhan Flanagan
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Christopher Jones
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Abstract

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) are common liver-directed therapies (LDTs) for unresectable HCC. While both deliver intra-arterial treatment directly to the site of the tumor, they differ in mechanisms of action and side effects. Several studies have compared their side effect profile, time to progression, and overall survival data, but often these lack practical considerations when choosing which treatment modality to use. Many factors can impact operator's choice for treatment, and the choice depends on treatment availability, cost, insurance coverage, operator's comfort level, patient-specific factors, tumor location, tumor biology, and disease stage. This review discusses survival data, time to progression data, as well as more practical patient and tumor characteristics for personalized LDT with TACE or TARE.

Keywords

hepatocellular carcinoma - liver-directed therapy - chemoembolization - radioembolization - interventional radiology


Publication History

Article published online:
14 March 2024

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