Combined Effects of Yttrium-90 Transarterial Radioembolization around Immunotherapy for Hepatic Metastases from Uveal Melanoma: A Preliminary Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 (90Y) transarterial radioembolization (TARE) around immunotherapy in patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma (UM). Materials and MethodsFrom March 2013 to December 2017, 11 patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from UM were treated with TARE around immunotherapy. Two patients received TARE as a first-line treatment followed by immunotherapy. Nine patients received immunotherapy before TARE, and 6 of these patients received additional immunotherapy after TARE. Retrospective review of the clinical data was performed to assess hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS), overall survival (OS), treatment response, and toxicities. The median follow-up period from TARE was 10.5 months (range 1–35.5 months). ResultsThe median OS from diagnosis of hepatic metastases was 35.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.0–55.0 months). The median hPFS and OS from the start of TARE were 15.0 months (95% CI 5.9–24.1 months) and 17.0 months (95% CI 1.8–32.2 months), respectively. Complete response was observed in 1 patient (9.1%), partial response in 2 (18.2%), stable disease in 4 (36.4%), and progressive disease in 4 (36.4%). Ten patients had grade 1 or 2 clinical toxicities, and 1 had grade 3 with a peptic ulcer. Six patients had grade 1 or 2 biochemical toxicities and 1 had grade 3, which was related to tumor progression. ConclusionsThe present results suggest that TARE around immunotherapy is safe and effective. The combined treatment may improve hPFS and OS in patients with hepatic metastases from UM.