title: Significant efficacy of new transcatheter arterial chemoembolization technique for hepatic metastases of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The liver is the most frequent site of metastasis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Moreover, hepatic metastasis is a strong prognostic factor for patients with advanced PNETs and is often difficult to treat and cure.
  
  
  METHODS
  We employed our recently developed new transcatheter arterial chemoembolization technique using a fine-powder formulation of cisplatin mixed with degradable starch microspheres (DSM) for the treatment of unresectable hepatic metastases from PNET in five consecutive patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 24 sessions of TACE was performed. The responses were complete response in one, partial response in three, and stable disease in one patient. All patients were alive at the time of analysis with a median survival of 36 (3-70) months after the initial treatment of TACE. There were no severe toxicities or adverse effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new treatment induced a significant effect on hepatic metastases of PNET. The response rate was very high, which has not been achieved even by recent new agents. Our findings may warrant further prospective studies of this therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan.
authors.forename: Takahiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akahori
authors.forename: Masayuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sho
authors.forename: Toshihiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Hideyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nishiofuku
authors.forename: Shoichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kinoshita
authors.forename: Minako
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nagai
authors.forename: Kimihiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kichikawa
authors.forename: Yoshiyuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nakajima
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors; chemotherapy; hepatic metastasis; transcatheter arterial chemoembolization