Treatment of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumours improves survival and symptom relief. Hepatic arterial embolotherapy techniques include transarterial chemoembolization (tace) and bland embolization (tae). The relative efficacy of the techniques is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to use a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare tace with tae in the treatment of hepatic metastases.

A literature search identified studies comparing tace and tae for treatment of hepatic metastases. Outcomes of interest included overall survival (os), progression-free survival (pfs), radiographic response, complications, and symptom control. The hazard ratios (hrs) and odds ratios (ors) were estimated and pooled.

Eight studies and 504 patients were included. No statistically significant differences between tace and tae were observed for os at 1, 2, and 5 years or for hrs [1-year or: 0.72; 95% confidence interval (ci): 0.27 to 1.94; < 0.52; 2-year or: 0.69; 95% ci: 0.43 to 1.11; < 0.12; 5-year or: 0.91; 95% ci: 0.37 to 2.24; < 0.85; hr: 0.96; 95% ci: 0.73 to 1.24; < 0.74]. No statistically significant differences between tace and tae were observed for pfs at 1, 2, and 5 years or for hrs (1-year or: 0.71; 95% ci: 0.38 to 1.55; < 0.30; 2-year or: 0.83; 95% ci: 0.33 to 2.06; < 0.69; 5-year or: 0. 91; 95% ci: 0.37 to 2.24; < 0.85; hr: 0.99-1.74; 95% ci: 0.74 to 1.73; < 0.97). Both techniques are safe and effective for symptom control.

No statistically significant differences between tace and tae were observed for os and pfs.