Integrated Capecitabine-Temozolomide with Radioembolization for Liver-Dominant G2 NETs: Long-Term Outcomes of a Single-Institution Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Capecitabine-Temozolomide (CapTem) is an oral chemotherapy regimen for NETs. Both drugs are radiosensitizers. Integrating CapTem and Y90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in patients with grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor (NET) liver metastases achieved an encouraging objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) in a feasibility study. This study expands that report to a larger cohort with longer follow-up. Therapy consisted of monthly cycles of capecitabine 600mg/m2 twice daily for 14days and temozolomide 150-200mg/m2 on day 10-14. Simulation angiography was performed during the initial cycle. The dominant lobe was treated with 90Y-resin microspheres using BSA dosimetry on day 7 of the second cycle of CapTem. Patients with bilobar disease had the other lobe treated on day 7 of the third or fourth cycle. CapTem was continued until progression or intolerance. Clinical and laboratory assessment was done monthly and imaging every 3months. 35/37 patients completed the prescribed regimen. Primary sites of disease were pancreas (16), lung (10), gut (7) and unknown (4). Mean duration of CapTem was 12months (range, 4-32months). ORR in the liver was 72% with a disease control rate of 100%. Median PFS was 36 months (95% CI, 25-45 months). Median overall survival was 41 months (95% CI, 24-87 months) from initiation of CapTemY90 therapy and 130 months (95% CI, 56-172 months) from initial diagnosis. Chemoradiation with CapTem and TARE provided durable control of G2 NET liver metastases for substantially longer than expectations for embolotherapy or chemotherapy alone.