Review Article

Hepatic Arterial Embolization for the Treatment of Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Table 2

Characteristics of hepatic arterial embolization for NET metastases.

Indications
 Hepatic metastases of NET
 Nonoperative candidates
 Symptomatic and asymptomatic tumors

Contraindications
 Main portal vein thrombosis
 Bilirubin greater than 2-3 mg/dL
 Hepatic tumor burden greater than 75%
 Contraindications to angiography

Outcomes
 Mortality 0–6%
 Median OS 25–56 months
 5-yr survival 13–28%

Common chemotherapeutic agents
 None (bland embolization)
 Doxorubicin
 Mitomycin C
 Cisplatin

Most frequent complications
 Postembolization syndrome
 Hepatic abscess
 Hepatic failure
 Cholecystitis
 Pancreatitis

Indications for repeat embolization
  Increase in tumor size or tumor enhancement
  Progression of symptoms