Outcome and safety after 103 radioembolizations with yttrium‐90 resin microspheres in 73 patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma–an evaluation of predictors

Trans‐arterial radioembolization (TARE) is increasingly evaluated for unresectable intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Not all ICC patients benefit equally well from TARE. Therefore, we sought to evaluate variables predicting progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with non‐resectable ICC underwent TARE and were treated with 90Y resin micro-spheres. Baseline characteristics, biochemical/clinical toxicities, and response were examined for impact on PFS and OS. A total of 103 treatments were administered to 73 patients without major complications or toxicity. Mean OS was 18.9 months (95% confidence intervals (CI); 13.9–23.9 months). Mean and median PFS were 10.1 months (95% CI; 7.9–12.2) and 6.4 months (95% CI; 5.20– 7.61), respectively. Median OS and PFS were significantly prolonged in patients with baseline cholinesterase (CHE) ≥4.62 kU/L (OS: 14.0 vs. 5.5 months; PFS: 6.9 vs. 3.2 months; p < 0.001). Patients with a tumor burden ≤25% had a significantly longer OS (15.2 vs. 6.6 months; p = 0.036). Median PFS was significantly longer for patients with multiple TARE cycles (24.4 vs. 5.8 months; p = 0.04). TARE is a considerable and safe option for unresectable ICC. CA‐19‐9, CHE, and tumor burden have predictive value for survival in patients treated with TARE. Multiple TARE treatments might further improve survival; this has to be confirmed by further studies.