Comparison of cTACE and Y-90 Radioembolization for HCC

This study is a technical report that compares conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) and Y-90 radioembolization for treating unresectable, unablatable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective was to evaluate time to progression (TTP) as the primary endpoint, with secondary endpoints including safety, response rate, and overall survival. The study involved a randomized, open-label design conducted from 2009 to 2015, with 45 patients enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either cTACE or Y-90 therapy. The findings indicate that Y-90 radioembolization significantly prolonged TTP compared to cTACE, with median TTP not reached for Y-90 versus 6.8 months for cTACE. While overall survival rates were similar between the two groups, a higher percentage of patients in the Y-90 group were successfully bridged to transplantation. The study highlights the strengths and limitations of the methodologies employed, including patient compliance and imaging follow-up challenges.