Understanding Current Trends and Advances in Transarterial Radioembolization Dosimetry

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Abstract
Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is an established therapy for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. Outcomes depend heavily on dosimetry, which has evolved from empirical and body-surface-area methods to partition and voxel-based approaches. This review summarizes current evidence for advanced (personalized) dosimetry across tumor types, highlights emerging dose–response concepts, and outlines practical barriers and implementation strategies. A narrative review of peer-reviewed clinical studies and trials evaluating dosimetry in TARE, with emphasis on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), neuroendocrine tumor (NET), and breast cancer liver metastases, was performed with comparison of single-compartment medical internal radiation dosimetry method (MIRD), partition (multicompartment) methods, and voxel-based dosimetry methodologies. Personalized dosimetry improves outcomes in multiple tumor types. A randomized trial in HCC showed superior overall survival with partition-based dosing versus MIRD. In selective HCC treatments, voxel-derived metrics (e.g., D95) correlate with complete pathologic necrosis, suggesting benefit beyond mean dose targets. For iCCA, data associate higher tumor doses with better radiologic response, progression-free survival, and downstaging. In mCRC, voxel-based and threshold analyses link specific tumor and margin doses with metabolic/radiographic response and survival. Smaller series in NET and breast cancer indicate dose–response relationships using advanced dosimetry. Evidence supports broader adoption of advanced dosimetry in TARE. Emerging strategies that ensure adequate coverage of the “coldest” tumor regions and thoughtful particle-load planning may further optimize results. Standardized protocols, prospective validation, and scalable workflows are needed to accelerate implementation.

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