Selecting the Appropriate Downstaging and Bridging Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: What Is the Role of Transarterial Radioembolization? A Pooled Analysis

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The usefulness of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) as a treatment has been endorsed by different authors and recommended by a multidisciplinary working group in terms of its safety, efficacy and feasibility for the surgical resection of patients with borderline-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast, in the field of liver transplant (LT), the role of TARE is under debate and there are still no clear and unified guidelines for its indication. ABSTRACT: Background: Transarterial radioembolization in HCC for LT as downstaging/bridging has been increasing in recent years but some indication criteria are still unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of primary research publications conducted in PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases until November 2022. Relevant data about patient selection, HCC features and oncological outcomes after TARE for downstaging or bridging in LT were analyzed. Results: A total of 14 studies were included (7 downstaging, 3 bridging and 4 mixed downstaging and bridging). The proportion of whole liver TARE was between 0 and 1.6%. Multiple TARE interventions were necessary for 16.7% up to 28% of the patients. A total of 55 of 204 patients across all included studies undergoing TARE for downstaging were finally transplanted. The only RCT included presents a higher tumor response with the downstaging rate for LT of TARE than TACE (9/32 vs. 4/34, respectively). Grade 3 or 4 adverse effects rate were detected between 15 and 30% of patients. Conclusions: TARE is a safe therapeutic option with potential advantages in its capacity to necrotize and reduce the size of the HCC for downstaging or bridging in LT.