Value in the treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumors: comparative cost-analysis of transarterial chemoembolization to transarterial radioembolization.

[BACKGROUND] Previous work has reported similar safety profiles and efficacy outcomes between transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in the treatment of primary liver tumors and certain liver metastases. We performed a cost-analysis comparing TACE and TARE to help guide treatment decisions from an economic standpoint.

[METHODS] A retrospective review of data from a single academic medical center of patients undergoing TACE or TARE for primary or metastatic liver tumors between 2018 and 2023 was performed. Estimates of the procedural costs were obtained from hospital financial payment data for fully adjudicated accounts. Costs were adjusted for inflation and compared between treatment types.

[RESULTS] There were 44 patients treated with TACE and 33 treated with TARE. No statistically significant differences were noted in age, sex, or payer type between treatment modalities. Length of stay was longer in the TACE group (p = 0.029). Median total payments received for a single TARE procedure was higher than that of a single TACE treatment ($37,780 vs. $10,606, p < 0.001).

[DISCUSSION] When there is equivalent clinical efficacy of TACE and TARE, as is the case for patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases or hepatocellular carcinoma for example, TACE is a more cost-effective treatment.