Microwave Ablation of Refractory Oligometastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Liver.

PURPOSE: : To evaluate safety and effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of liver metastases (LM) secondary to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: : This retrospective study included patients with NSCLC who underwent MWA of LM from 3/2015 to 7/ 2022. Local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using competing risk analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method. Post-procedural adverse events were recorded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. RESULTS: : Twenty-three patients with 32 LM were treated in 27 MWA sessions. The dimension of the largest index tumor was 1.96 ± 0.75 cm (mean ± SD). Technical success was 100%. Technical efficacy was achieved in 26/32 tumors (81.3%). Median length of follow-up was 37.7 months (IQR: 20.5-54.5). Median LTPFS was 16.3 months (95% CI: 7.87-44.10). Median OS was 31.7 months (95% CI: 11.1 to 65.8 months). Ablation margin was a significant factor for LTPFS, with tumors ablated without a measurable margin being more likely to progress compared to those with measurable margins (Subdistribution hazard ratios [SHR] 0.008-0.024, p<0.001). Older age (HR:1.18, 95%CI:1.09-1.28, p< 0.001) and presence of synchronous lung metastases (HR:14.73, 95%CI: 1.86-116.95, p = 0.011) were significant predictors of OS. Serious adverse events (CTCAE grade ≥3) within 30 days occurred in 2/27 sessions (7.4%), including pulmonary embolus and severe abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: : Percutaneous MWA is a safe treatment for NSCLC LM, with longer survival seen in younger patients and those without synchronous lung tumors.

Systemic Immunological Changes After Yttrium-90 Radioembolization: A Pilot Prospective Observational Study-Clinical Insights.

PURPOSE: To prospectively investigate levels of circulating cytokines, changes in frequencies of various immune cell subsets and expression of proliferation and checkpoint molecules on T cells in the peripheral blood after yttrium-90 radioembolization (TARE) of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected, isolated, and froze peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma samples from 15 patients immediately before, immediately after, 3 and 6 weeks post-TARE of CLM. Plasma samples were assessed for various cytokines using a multiplex immunoassay platform. PBMC samples were analyzed in a monocyte/dendritic cell (DC)/B cell flow panel and a T cell activation/exhaustion flow phenotyping panel. We compared the levels at the respective time points using Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: IFN-g significantly decreased immediately after (mean 1.62 vs. 3.02 at baseline, p = 0.04) and increased at 6 weeks compared to the immediately post-TARE nadir (mean 9.42 vs. 1.62, p = 0.04). IL-10 decreased at 3 weeks (mean 0.36 vs. 1.75, p = 0.025) post-TARE compared to baseline. Increased CD3+T cells (mean 78.24 vs. 60.8, p = 0.002) and decreased CTLA-4+CD4+T cells (mean 2.58 vs. 4.41, p = 0.033) were observed at 3 weeks compared to baseline. Increased Ki-67+ proliferating CD8+T cells at 3 and 6 weeks (mean 7.28 and 9.06, respectively, vs. 3.93 at baseline, p = 0.02 and 0.03) were recorded. CONCLUSION: A shift toward a favorable antitumoral cytokinic and immune cells response was observed after TARE. Significant changes were in specialized immune cells subsets playing important roles in the activation of the immune system. These results support trials combining TARE with immunotherapy for patients with CLM.

Oncologic Outcomes after Percutaneous Ablation for Colorectal Liver Metastases: An Updated Comprehensive Review.

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality, with liver metastases occurring in over a third of patients, and is correlated with poor prognosis. Despite surgical resection being the primary treatment option, only about 20% of patients qualify for surgery. Current guidelines recommend thermal ablation either alone or combined with surgery to treat limited hepatic metastases, provided that all visible disease can be effectively eradicated. Several ablation modalities, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation, irreversible electroporation and histotripsy, are part of the percutaneous ablation armamentarium. Thermal ablation, including radiofrequency, microwave ablation and cryoablation, can offer local tumor control rates comparable to limited resection for selected tumors that can be ablated with margins. This review aims to encapsulate the current clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and oncologic outcomes after percutaneous ablation for the treatment of colorectal liver metastatic disease.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Rectal Cancer, Version 3.2024.

The determination of an optimal treatment plan for an individual patient with rectal cancer is a complex process. In addition to decisions relating to the intent of rectal cancer surgery (ie, curative or palliative), consideration must also be given to the likely functional results of treatment, including the probability of maintaining or restoring normal bowel function/anal continence and preserving genitourinary functions. Particularly for patients with distal rectal cancer, finding a balance between curative-intent therapy while having minimal impact on quality of life can be challenging. Furthermore, the risk of pelvic recurrence is higher in patients with rectal cancer compared with those with colon cancer, and locally recurrent rectal cancer is associated with a poor prognosis. Careful patient selection and the use of sequenced multimodality therapy following a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. These NCCN Guidelines Insights detail recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer, including the addition of endoscopic submucosal dissection as an option for early-stage rectal cancer, updates to the total neoadjuvant therapy approach based on the results of recent clinical trials, and the addition of a "watch-and-wait" nonoperative management approach for clinical complete responders to neoadjuvant therapy.

Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety of Microwave Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases Adjacent versus Nonadjacent to the Diaphragm.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) adjacent versus nonadjacent to the diaphragm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively created MWA database, from 2 prospective clinical trials for patients with CLM treated in a single tertiary center from 2012 to 2023. CLM adjacent to the diaphragm was defined as a tumor located <1 cm from the diaphragm. Minimal ablation margin (MM) was calculated with 3-dimensional software using postablation contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Adverse events were assessed with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 classification for 6 months. RESULTS: Two hundred nine CLMs underwent 191 MWA sessions in 143 patients. Mean tumor diameter was 1.52 cm (SD ± 0.53). Eighty-three of 209 (39.7%) CLMs were adjacent to the diaphragm. There was no difference in local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS) between CLMs adjacent and nonadjacent to the diaphragm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.37-1.16; P = .15). MMs of 5-10 mm and >10 mm were documented in 49.3% versus 46.8% (P = .83) and 21.6% versus 12.6% (P = .16) for CLMs adjacent versus nonadjacent to the diaphragm, respectively. Twelve-month LTPFS was similar between groups (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.37-1.16; P = .15) without local tumor progression for MM of >10 mm. There were 3 Grade IV adverse events: 1 diaphragmatic perforation, 1 liver abscess, and 1 biloma. Pneumothorax was associated with location adjacent to the diaphragm (P < .001) and transpulmonary approach (P < .001). Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (interquartile range [IQR], 1-3 days) for patients who needed thoracostomy (n = 20, 9.6%) compared with 1 day (IQR, 1-8 days) for those who did not, without long-term sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: MWA of CLM adjacent to the diaphragm is effective and safe, without difference in success and 12-month LTPFS. Pneumothorax was associated with location adjacent to the diaphragm and thoracostomy that resulted in longer hospitalization without long-term sequelae.

Colon Cancer, Version 3.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Management of disseminated metastatic CRC involves various active drugs, either in combination or as single agents. The choice of therapy is based on consideration of the goals of therapy, the type and timing of prior therapy, the mutational profile of the tumor, and the differing toxicity profiles of the constituent drugs. This manuscript summarizes the data supporting the systemic therapy options recommended for metastatic CRC in the NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer.

Outcomes of Y90 Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients Previously Treated with Transarterial Embolization.

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients previously treated with transarterial embolization (TAE). In this retrospective study, all HCC patients who received TARE from 1/2012 to 12/2022 for treatment of residual or recurrent disease after TAE were identified. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate Cox regression was performed to determine significant predictors of OS after TARE. Twenty-one patients (median age 73.4 years, 18 male, 3 female) were included. Median dose to the perfused liver volume was 121 Gy (112-444, range), and 18/21 (85.7%) patients received 112-140 Gy. Median OS from time of HCC diagnosis was 32.9 months (19.4-61.4, 95% CI). Median OS after first TAE was 29.3 months (15.3-58.9, 95% CI). Median OS after first TARE was 10.6 months (6.8-27.0, 95% CI). ECOG performance status of 0 (p = 0.038), index tumor diameter < 4 cm (p = 0.022), and hepatic tumor burden < 25% (p = 0.018) were significant predictors of longer OS after TARE. TARE may provide a survival benefit for appropriately selected patients with HCC who have been previously treated with TAE.

Histopathologic Changes after Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the histopathologic changes and potential correlations of tumor absorbed dose (TAD) after yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for colorectal liver metastases (CLMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective pilot study assessed 12 patients with 13 CLMs through positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies before, immediately after TARE (T0), and 3 weeks after TARE (T3). Subsequent sampling from the same location was enabled by fiducial placement. Biopsy samples were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin, TUNEL, Ki67, OxPhos, caspase-3 (CC3), and pH2AX antibodies. Proliferation changes (Ki67) and double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) were evaluated quantitatively. TAD was calculated on post-TARE PET/CT scan of the biopsy needle location at T0 and T3. RESULTS: Median TAD at 3 weeks after TARE was 162 Gy (interquartile range (IQR), 92-211 Gy). DSBs decreased significantly from T0 (median, 77%; IQR, 75%-100%) to T3 (median, 14%; IQR, 0%-54%; P = .028). A decrease in Ki67 was also documented (median, 73%; IQR, 70%-80% at T0 vs median, 41%; IQR, 0%-66% at T3; P = .046). There was a strong positive correlation between TAD and DSBs at T0 (r[9] = 0.68) and a strong negative correlation at T3 (r[10] = -0.855; P = .042 and P = .002, respectively). There was a strong negative correlation between TAD and Ki67 at both T0 (r[9] = -0.733; P = .025) and T3 (r[10] = -0.681; P = .030). Tumors that exhibited caspase-3 activation (8/13, 62%) at either T0 or T3 time point were more likely to develop progression (7/8 [88%] vs 1/5 [20%]; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS: Post-TARE biopsy can be used to assess TAD and histopathologic changes. Significant decreases in DSBs and proliferation index were noted after TARE. Post-TARE CC3 activation deserves further exploration.

Imaging Considerations before and after Liver-Directed Locoregional Treatments for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Liver metastases will develop in over one-third of patients with colorectal cancer and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Even though surgical resection has been considered the mainstay of treatment, only approximately 20% of the patients are surgical candidates. Liver-directed locoregional therapies such as thermal ablation, Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization, and stereotactic body radiation therapy are pivotal in managing colorectal liver metastatic disease. Comprehensive pre- and post-intervention imaging, encompassing both anatomic and metabolic assessments, is invaluable for precise treatment planning, staging, treatment response assessment, and the prompt identification of local or distant tumor progression. This review outlines the value of imaging for colorectal liver metastatic disease and offers insights into imaging follow-up after locoregional liver-directed therapy.

Three-Dimensional Margin as a Predictor of Local Tumor Progression after Microwave Ablation: Intraprocedural versus 4-8-Week Postablation Assessment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostic accuracy of intraprocedural and 4-8-week (current standard) post-microwave ablation zone (AZ) and margin assessments for prediction of local tumor progression (LTP) using 3-dimensional (3D) software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding 100 colorectal liver metastases (CLMs) in 75 patients were collected from 2 prospective fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) trials. The target CLMs and theoretical 5- and 10-mm margins were segmented and registered intraprocedurally and at 4-8 weeks after MWA contrast-enhanced CT (or magnetic resonance [MR] imaging) using the same methodology and 3D software. Tumor and 5- and 10-mm minimal margin (MM) volumes not covered by the AZ were defined as volumes of insufficient coverage (VICs). The intraprocedural and 4-8-week post-MWA VICs were compared as predictors of LTP using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 19.6 months (interquartile range, 7.97-36.5 months). VICs for 5- and 10-mm MMs were predictive of LTP at both time assessments. The highest accuracy for the prediction of LTP was documented with the intra-ablation 5-mm VIC (area under the curve [AUC], 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.89). LTP for a VIC of 6-10-mm margin category was 11.4% compared with 4.3% for >10-mm margin category (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A 3D 5-mm MM is a critical endpoint of thermal ablation, whereas optimal local tumor control is noted with a 10-mm MM. Higher AUCs for prediction of LTP were achieved for intraprocedural evaluation than for the 4-8-week postablation 3D evaluation of the AZ.

Yttrium-90 Transarterial Radioembolization of Primary Lung Cancer Metastases to the Liver.

PURPOSE: To assess whether yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is safe and effective in the treatment of primary lung cancer metastases to the liver (LCML). METHODS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 57 patients with LCML who were treated with 79 TARE treatments. Histology included non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (n = 27), small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (n = 17), and lung carcinoid (LC) (n = 13). Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method; differences between groups were estimated using log rank test. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors influencing survival. Adverse events were graded using the Society of Interventional Radiology Adverse Events Classification. RESULTS: Median overall survival (OS) was as follows: NSCLC, 8.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3-16.4 months); SCLC, 4.1 months (95% CI, 1.9-6.6 months); and LC, 43.5 months (95% CI, 7.8-61.4 months). For NSCLC, presence of bilobar vs unilobar disease (hazard ratio [HR], 5.24; 95% CI, 1.64-16.79; P = .002); more tumors, 2-5 vs 1 (HR, 4.88; 95% CI, 1.17-20.37; P = .003) and >5 vs 1 (HR, 3.75; 95% CI, 0.95-6.92; P = .05); and lobar vs segmental treatment (HR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0-NA; P = .002) were negative predictors of OS. For SCLC, receipt of >2 lines of chemotherapy vs ≤2 lines (HR, 3.16; 95% CI, 0.95-10.47; P = .05) was a negative predictor of OS. For LC, tumor involvement of >50% was a negative predictor of OS (HR, 3.77 × 1015; 95% CI, 0-NA; P = .002). There were 11 of 79 severe or life-threatening adverse events within 30 days (abdominal pain, altered mental status, nausea/vomiting, acalculous/aseptic cholecystitis, hyponatremia, pancreatitis, renal failure, and death from pneumonia). CONCLUSIONS: TARE has an acceptable safety profile for the treatment of LCML, with survival benefits best seen in LC tumors.

Advancements and Future Outlook of PET/CT-Guided Interventions.

Advancements in minimally invasive technology, coupled with imaging breakthroughs, have empowered the field of interventional radiology to achieve unparalleled precision in image-guided diagnosis and treatment while simultaneously reducing periprocedural morbidity. Molecular imaging, which provides valuable physiological and metabolic information alongside anatomical localization, can expand the capabilities of image-guided interventions. Among various molecular imaging techniques, positron emission tomography (PET) stands out for its superior spatial resolution and ability to acquire quantitative data. PET has emerged as a crucial tool for oncologic imaging and plays a pivotal role in both staging and the assessment of treatment responses. Typically used in combination with computed tomography (CT) (PET/CT) and occasionally with magnetic resonance imaging MRI (PET/MRI), PET as a hybrid imaging approach offers enhanced insights into disease progression and response. In recent years, PET has also found its way into image-guided interventions, especially within the rapidly expanding field of interventional oncology. This review aims to explore the current and evolving role of metabolic imaging, specifically PET, in interventional oncology. By delving into the unique advantages and applications of PET in guiding oncological interventions and assessing response, we seek to highlight the increasing significance of this modality in the realm of interventional radiology.

The Importance of Optimal Thermal Ablation Margins in Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 21 Studies.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Thermal ablation (TA) can be a comparable alternative to partial hepatectomy for selected cases when eradication of all visible tumor with an ablative margin of greater than 5 mm is achieved. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to encapsulate the current clinical evidence concerning the optimal TA margin for local cure in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from inception until 1 May 2023, in accordance with the PRISMA Guidelines. Measure of effect included the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Overall, 21 studies were included, comprising 2005 participants and 2873 ablated CLMs. TA with margins less than 5 mm were associated with a 3.6 times higher risk for LTP (n = 21 studies, RR: 3.60; 95% CI: 2.58-5.03; p-value < 0.001). When margins less than 5 mm were additionally confirmed by using 3D software, a 5.1 times higher risk for LTP (n = 4 studies, RR: 5.10; 95% CI: 1.45-17.90; p-value < 0.001) was recorded. Moreover, a thermal ablation margin of less than 10 mm but over 5 mm remained significantly associated with 3.64 times higher risk for LTP vs. minimal margin larger than 10 mm (n = 7 studies, RR: 3.64; 95% CI: 1.31-10.10; p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis solidifies that a minimal ablation margin over 5 mm is the minimum critical endpoint required, whereas a minimal margin of at least 10 mm yields optimal local tumor control after TA of CLMs.

Percutaneous image-guided ablation for hepatic metastases.

The presence of hepatic metastases indicates advanced disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially when the hepatic disease is not amenable to locoregional treatments. The primary tumour of origin, the distribution and extent of metastatic disease, the underlying liver reserve, the patient performance status and the presence of comorbidities are factors that determine whether a patient will benefit from hepatectomy or local curative-intent treatments. For patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the most common primary cancer that spreads to the liver, several studies have demonstrated a survival benefit for patients who can be treated with hepatectomy and/or percutaneous ablation, compared to those treated with chemotherapy alone. Despite advances in surgical techniques increasing the percentage of patients eligible for surgery, most patients have unresectable disease or are poor surgical candidates. Percutaneous ablation can be used to provide local disease control and prolong survival for both surgical and non-surgical candidates. This is typically offered to patients with small hepatic metastases that can be ablated with optimal (≥10 mm) or at least adequate minimum ablation margins (≥5 mm), as high local tumour control rates can be achieved for these patients which are comparable to surgical resection. This review summarizes available evidence and outcomes following percutaneous ablation of the most frequently encountered types of hepatic metastases in the clinical practice of interventional oncology. Patient selection, technical considerations, follow-up protocols and oncologic outcomes are presented and discussed.

Safety and Efficacy of Hepatic Artery Embolization in Heavily Treated Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Analysis of Clinicopathological and Radiographic Parameters Associated with Better Overall Survival.

The safety and efficacy of hepatic artery embolization (HAE) in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) was evaluated. Initial treatment response, local tumor progression-free survival (L-PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in 34 IHC patients treated with HAE. A univariate survival analysis and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis to identify independent factors were carried out. Objective response (OR) at 1-month was 79.4%. Median OS and L-PFS from the time of HAE was 13 (CI = 95%, 7.4-18.5) and 4 months (CI = 95%, 2.09-5.9), respectively. Tumor burden < 25% and increased tumor vascularity on preprocedure imaging and surgical resection prior to embolization were associated with longer OS (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that tumor burden < 25% and hypervascular tumors were independent risk factors. Mean post-HAE hospital stay was 4 days. Grade 3 complication rate was 8.5%. In heavily treated patients with IHC, after exhausting all chemotherapy and other locoregional options, HAE as a rescue treatment option appeared to be safe with a mean OS of 13 months. Tumor burden < 25%, increased target tumor vascularity on pre-procedure imaging, and OR on 1 month follow-up images were associated with better OS. Further studies with a control group are required to confirm the effectiveness of HAE in IHC.

Anal Carcinoma, Version 2.2023, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

This discussion summarizes the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for managing squamous cell anal carcinoma, which represents the most common histologic form of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach including physicians from gastroenterology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and radiology is necessary. Primary treatment of perianal cancer and anal canal cancer are similar and include chemoradiation in most cases. Follow-up clinical evaluations are recommended for all patients with anal carcinoma because additional curative-intent treatment is possible. Biopsy-proven evidence of locally recurrent or persistent disease after primary treatment may require surgical treatment. Systemic therapy is generally recommended for extrapelvic metastatic disease. Recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Anal Carcinoma include staging classification updates based on the 9th edition of the AJCC Staging System and updates to the systemic therapy recommendations based on new data that better define optimal treatment of patients with metastatic anal carcinoma.