Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) Global Practice Patterns: An International Survey by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe (CIRSE).

Abstract

Purpose: An international survey was conducted by the Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) to evaluate radioembolization practice and capture opinions on real-world clinical and technical aspects of this therapy.

Materials and methods: A survey with 32 multiple choice questions was sent as an email to CIRSE members between November and December 2022. CIRSE group member and sister societies promoted the survey to their local members. The dataset was cleaned of duplicates and entries with missing data, and the resulting anonymized dataset was analysed. Data were presented using descriptive statistics.

Results: The survey was completed by 133 sites, from 30 countries, spanning 6 continents. Most responses were from European centres (87/133, 65%), followed by centres from the Americas (22/133, 17%). Responding sites had been performing radioembolization for 10 years on average and had completed a total of 20,140 procedures over the last 5 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma treatments constituted 56% of this total, colorectal liver metastasis 17% and cholangiocarcinoma 14%. New sites had opened every year for the past 20 years, indicating the high demand for this therapy. Results showed a trend towards individualized treatment, with 79% of responders reporting use of personalized dosimetry for treatment planning and 97% reporting routine assessment of microsphere distribution post-treatment. Interventional radiologists played an important role in referrals, being present in the referring multi-disciplinary team in 91% of responding centres.

Conclusion: This survey provides insight into the current state of radioembolization practice globally. The results reveal the increasing significance placed on dosimetry, evolving interventional techniques and increased technology integration.