Radioembolisation with ^sup 90^Y-labelled resin microspheres in the treatment of liver metastasis from breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, commonly affecting the liver. We report our experience with ^sup 90^Y radioembolisation (RE) and its effects on the survival of patients with treatment-refractory breast cancer liver metastases. A total of 77 female patients affected by breast cancer were accepted into our department for RE. Inclusion criteria were inoperable and chemotherapy-refractory hepatic metastases, acceptable performance status, sufficient residual liver, no significant hepato-pulmonary shunts. Patients were divided in two groups: group 1 (29 patients) included those with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score 0, liver involvement (0-25 %) and no extrahepatic disease (EHD); group 2 (23 patient) included patients with ECOG score 1-2, liver involvement (26-50 %) and evidence of EHD. A total of 25 patients were considered ineligible. The median age of the remaining 52 patients was 57.5 years. The median overall survival was 11.5 months and better in those whose performance status and liver function were preserved (14.3 versus 8.2 months). According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST), partial response (PR) was achieved in 29 patients (56 %), stable disease (SD) was achieved in a further 18 patients (35 %) and 5 patients showed progressive disease (PD) (10 %). ^sup 90^Y RE is effective in the treatment of liver metastases from breast cancer. We demonstrated a relevant survival and encouragingly high response rate in patients with treatment-refractory disease. * Interventional radiological techniques are increasingly used for metastatic disease in the liver. * ^sup 90^ Y radioembolisation (RE) seems effective for treating hepatic metastases from breast cancer. * RE is safe and well tolerated when performance status and liver function are preserved. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]