Impact of Percutaneous Cryoablation on Renal Function in Patients with Stage I Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of cryoablation on renal function (measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] or serum creatinine) for treating Stage I renal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were systematically searched from inception to May 1, 2023. Cohort studies that included data on change of eGFR and serum creatinine increase were included. Meta-analysis was performed by measuring the weighted mean difference and by fitting random-effect models. RESULTS: Overall, 38 studies were included, comprising 3,202 participants. Percutaneous cryoablation was associated with an absolute eGFR reduction of -3.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, -4.12 to -2.01; P < .001) and serum creatinine increase of 0.05 mg/dL (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.11; P > .05). The weighted absolute mean difference of percutaneous cryoablation for treating Stage T1b renal cell carcinoma was estimated at -5.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, -11.1 to 0.72; P > .05). Lastly, when analyzing studies that included cohorts with solitary kidneys, the pooled weighted mean difference was estimated as -3.27 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, -6.79 to 0.25; P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous cryoablation for Stage 1 renal cell carcinoma has minimal significant impact on renal function (measured by eGFR or serum creatinine). The same outcome was observed in patients with larger tumors (T1b) and those with solitary kidneys.

Ablative Techniques for Sarcoma Metastatic Disease: Current Role and Clinical Applications.

Sarcomas are heterogenous mesenchymal neoplasms with more than 80 different histologic subtypes. Lung followed by liver and bone are the most common sites of sarcoma metastatic disease. Ablative techniques have been recently added as an additional alternative curative or palliative therapeutic tool in sarcoma metastatic disease. When compared to surgery, ablative techniques are less invasive therapies which can be performed even in non-surgical candidates and are related to decreased recovery time as well as preservation of the treated organ's long-term function. Literature data upon ablative techniques for sarcoma metastatic disease are quite heterogeneous and variable regarding the size and the number of the treated lesions and the different histologic subtypes of the original soft tissue or bone sarcoma. The present study focuses upon the current role of minimal invasive thermal ablative techniques for the management of metastatic sarcoma disease. The purpose of this review is to present the current minimally invasive ablative techniques in the treatment of metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcoma, including local control and survival rates.

Role of Percutaneous Ablation in the Management of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an invasive cancer accounting for <1% of all cancers and 10-15% of primary liver cancers. Intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) is associated with poor survival rates and high post-surgical recurrence rates whilst most diagnosed patients are not surgical candidates. There is a growing literature suggesting percutaneous ablative techniques for the management of patients with iCCA measuring ≤3 cm with contraindications to surgery as well as for recurrent or residual tumors aiming to provide local cancer treatment and control. Most used ablative therapies for iCCA include radiofrequency and microwave ablation with irreversible electroporation, cryoablation and reversible electroporation (electrochemotherapy) being less commonly encountered techniques. Due to the infiltrative margins of the lesion, there is a need for larger safety margins and ablation zone; multi-apparatus ablation or other variations of the technique such as balloon-assisted approaches can be utilized aiming to increase size of the zone of necrosis. The present review paper focuses upon the current role of percutaneous ablative techniques for the therapeutic management of iCCA. The purpose of this review is to present the current minimally invasive ablative techniques in the treatment of iCCA, including local control and survival rates.

Comprehensive Palliative Musculoskeletal Interventional Radiology Care for Patients with Cancer.

Substantial advances in percutaneous image-guided minimally invasive musculoskeletal oncologic interventions offer a robust armamentarium for interventional radiologists for management of cancer. The authors outline the most recent advances in such interventions and the role of interventional radiologists in managing cancer in modern-era practice. Percutaneous minimally invasive musculoskeletal interventions including thermal ablation, cementation with or without osseous reinforcement by implants, osteosynthesis, neurolysis, and embolization, as well as palliative injections, have been successfully used by interventional radiologists to achieve durable, timely, safe, effective palliation in a multidisciplinary setting and have been progressively incorporated into the management paradigm for patients with cancer with musculoskeletal involvement. Familiarity with the described interventions and implementation of procedural safety measures, combined with integration of these procedures into clinical practice with the support of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American College of Radiology, as well as continued technologic advances in procedural equipment design, will further enhance the role of interventional radiologists in cancer management. ©RSNA, 2022.

Update on Interventional Radiology of the Spine.

Interventional radiologists now perform spinal interventions routinely for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. New technologies for the management of spine pathologies have emerged with promising results in terms of safety and efficacy. Interventional radiology techniques in the spine include percutaneous biopsy and therapies for intervertebral disk herniation or spinal stenosis, facet and sacroiliac joint pathologies, vertebral and sacral fractures, and metastases. These techniques can also be easily combined one with the other or to further therapeutic approaches including systemic therapies, surgical approaches, and radiotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current percutaneous imaging-guided interventional radiology techniques in the spine. It will help readers become familiar with the most common indications, learn about different technical considerations during performance, and review the available evidence. Controversies concerning new products and technical approaches are also addressed.

Computed tomography guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in children: a single center's experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report a single center's experience evaluating the efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of osteoid osteoma in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional database research identified 33 symptomatic patients (≤ 18 years of age; male/female ratio: 21/12, mean age 13.09 ± 3.66) with osteoid osteoma who were treated by CT-guided RFA. Technical and clinical success as well as complication rates were recorded. The duration of the procedure, the number of computed tomography scans and the results of the biopsy were assessed. Pain, prior, the following morning and 1 week, 1/6/12 months after the procedure were compared by means of a numeric visual scale (NVS) questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean lesion size was 8.28 ± 4.24 mm. Mean follow-up was 23.33 ± 17.61 months (range 12-62). Mean pain score prior to radiofrequency ablation was 9.06 ± 0.80 NVS units. On week 1 and 1/6/12 months, all patients were pain-free reporting 0 NVS units (p < 0.05). The mean procedure time was 54 min (range 51-59) and a mean of 7 CT scans were performed during the ablation session. RF electrode was successfully placed in the center of the nidus in all cases. In our study, none of our patient experienced recurrence of the pain, nor complications. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation constitutes a safe and effective technique for osteoid osteoma treatment in children.

Navigation Guidance for Percutaneous Splanchnic Nerve Radiofrequency Neurolysis: Preliminary Results.

Background and Objectives: To describe preliminary results upon the application of the "Cube Navigation System" (CNS) for computed tomography (CT)-guided splanchnic nerve radiofrequency neurolysis. Materials and Methods: CT-guided splanchnic nerve neurolysis was performed in five patients; in all cases, neurolysis was performed under CT guidance using the CNS. The mean patient age was 71.6 years (range 54-81 years; male/female: 5/0). Technical success, parameters of the neurolysis session and complications were evaluated. Technical success was defined as a needle position on the defined target. Session parameters included procedure time and number of scans. The CIRSE reporting system was used for complications' classification and grading. Results: Technical success was obtained in all cases; in 1/5 patients, a slight correction in needle orientation was necessary. Mean procedure time was 12.4 min (range 8-19 min); an average of four CT scans was recorded in the five neurolysis sessions. There were no complications or material failures reported in the present study. Conclusions: Preliminary results of the present study show that computed tomography (CT)-guided splanchnic nerve radiofrequency neurolysis using the CNS is an accurate and time-efficient percutaneous procedure. More prospective and comparative studies with larger patient samples are necessary for verification of this system as well as for drawing broader conclusions.

Vertebral Augmentation: Is It Time to Get Past the Pain? A Consensus Statement from the Sardinia Spine and Stroke Congress.

Vertebral augmentation has been used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures and metastatic lesions in millions of patients around the world. An international group of subject matter experts have considered the evidence, including but not limited to mortality. These considerations led them to ask whether it is appropriate to allow the subjective measure of pain to so dominate the clinical decision of whether to proceed with augmentation. The discussions that ensued are related below.

Consensus Guidelines for the Definition of Time-to-Event End Points in Image-guided Tumor Ablation: Results of the SIO and DATECAN Initiative.

There is currently no consensus regarding preferred clinical outcome measures following image-guided tumor ablation or clear definitions of oncologic end points. This consensus document proposes standardized definitions for a broad range of oncologic outcome measures with recommendations on how to uniformly document, analyze, and report outcomes. The initiative was coordinated by the Society of Interventional Oncology in collaboration with the Definition for the Assessment of Time-to-Event End Points in Cancer Trials, or DATECAN, group. According to predefined criteria, based on experience with clinical trials, an international panel of 62 experts convened. Recommendations were developed using the validated three-step modified Delphi consensus method. Consensus was reached on when to assess outcomes per patient, per session, or per tumor; on starting and ending time and survival time definitions; and on time-to-event end points. Although no consensus was reached on the preferred classification system to report complications, quality of life, and health economics issues, the panel did agree on using the most recent version of a validated patient-reported outcome questionnaire. This article provides a framework of key opinion leader recommendations with the intent to facilitate a clear interpretation of results and standardize worldwide communication. Widespread adoption will improve reproducibility, allow for accurate comparisons, and avoid misinterpretations in the field of interventional oncology research. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Liddell in this issue.

A Bicentric Propensity Score Matched Study Comparing Percutaneous Computed Tomography-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation to Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound for the Treatment of Osteoid Osteoma.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in the treatment of osteoid osteoma with a long-term follow-up study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Database research was performed at 2 different centers with experience in musculoskeletal interventions. Both centers, one performing RF ablation and the other MRgFUS, identified 116 patients who underwent either RF ablation or MRgFUS procedures for the treatment of symptomatic osteoid osteoma and retrospectively evaluated data regarding pain scores using a visual analog scale (VAS). Complications were recorded according to the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe classification system. Propensity score matching for multiple variables was performed. Pain scores before and after therapy were compared. RESULTS: Of 116 patients treated, 61 and 55 underwent RF ablation and MRgFUS, respectively. Before treatment, the mean reported pain in the 2 groups were 9.1 ± 0.88 (RF ablation) and 8.7 ± 0.73 (MRgFUS) VAS units. After treatment, a statistically significant (P < .00001) overall reduction in pain symptomatology was recorded. No statistically significant difference was observed between the mean values of pain after treatment in both groups (P = .256). Over a mean of >2 years of follow-up, 4 cases of relapse (RF ablation, 1; MRgFUS, 3) and 1 complication (RF ablation) were observed. The analysis from propensity score matching that identified a matched cohort of 48 patients showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 techniques for the treatment of osteoid osteoma resulted in profound and similar pain relief. The presence of thick cortical bone over the nidus can reduce the effectiveness of MRgFUS.

Musculoskeletal Oncologic Interventions: Proceedings from the Society of Interventional Radiology and Society of Interventional Oncology Research Consensus Panel.

Musculoskeletal interventions are increasingly used with palliative and curative intent in the multidisciplinary treatment of oncology patients with bone and soft-tissue tumors. There is an unmet need for high-quality evidence to guide broader application and adoption of minimally invasive interventional technologies to treat these patients. Therefore, the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation and the Society of Interventional Oncology collaborated to convene a research consensus panel to prioritize a research agenda addressing the gaps in the current evidence. This article summarizes the panel's proceedings and recommendations for future basic science and clinical investigation to chart the course for interventional oncology within the musculoskeletal system. Key questions that emerged addressed the effectiveness of ablation within specific patient populations, the effect of combination of ablation with radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy, and the potential of standardization of techniques, including modeling and monitoring, to improve the consistency and predictability of treatment outcomes.

Percutaneous Navigation under Local Anesthesia for Computed Tomography-Guided Microwave Ablation of Malignant Liver Lesions Located in the Hepatic Dome.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to report the safety and efficacy of percutaneous navigation under local anesthesia for computed tomography-guided microwave ablation of malignant liver lesions located in the hepatic dome. Patients with primary and secondary malignant liver lesions located in the hepatic dome who underwent percutaneous computed tomography-guided microwave ablation using a computer-assisted navigation system under local anesthesia were prospectively evaluated. The primary objective was technical success. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 10 participants (16 lesions) with a mean age of 60.60 years (SD = 9.25 years) and a mean size of 20.37 ± 7.29 cm, and the mean follow-up time was 3.4 months (SD = 1.41) months. Results: Primary technical success was 93.75%. Tumor remnant was noticed at one month follow-up in a single metastatic lesion, which was re-treated with an ablation session, and no tumor remnant was depicted in the subsequent imaging follow-up (secondary technical success 100%). Grade I self-limited complications (according to the CIRSE classification system) included small pleural effusion (n = 1) and minor bleeding post antenna removal (n = 1) requiring nothing but observation. Conclusions: the findings of the present study indicate that percutaneous navigation under local anesthesia is a safe and efficacious approach for computed tomography-guided microwave ablation of malignant liver lesions located in the hepatic dome. Large randomized controlled studies are warranted to observe treatment effectiveness and compare the results with those of other options.

Percutaneous bipolar radiofrequency ablation for spine metastatic lesions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to become familiar with the most common indications for imaging guided percutaneous bipolar radiofrequency ablation, to learn about different technical considerations during performance providing the current evidence. Controversies concerning products will be addressed. METHODS: We performed a literature review excluding non-English studies and case reports. All references of the obtained articles were also evaluated for any additional information. RESULTS: RFA achieves cytotoxicity by raising target area temperatures above 60 °C, and may be used to achieve total necrosis of lesions smaller than 3 cm in diameter, to debulk and reduce the pain associated with larger lesions, to prevent pathological fractures due to progressive osteolysis or for cavity creation aiming for targeted cement delivery in case of posterior vertebral wall breaching. Protective ancillary techniques should be used in order to increase safety and augment efficacy of RFA in the spine. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of vertebral lesions is a reproducible, successful and safe procedure. Ablation should be combined with vertebral augmentation in all cases. In order to optimize maximum efficacy a patient- and a lesion-tailored approach should both be offered focusing upon clinical and performance status along with life expectancy of the patient as well as upon lesion characteristics.

Two-Center Prospective Comparison of the Trocar and Seldinger Techniques for Percutaneous Cholecystostomy.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of the bedside ultrasound (US)-guided trocar technique versus the US- and fluoroscopy-guided Seldinger technique for percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS. This prospective noninferiority study compared the bedside US-guided trocar technique for PC (the trocar group; 53 patients [28 men and 25 women]; mean [± SD] age, 74.31 ± 16.19 years) with the US- and fluoroscopy-guided Seldinger technique for PC (the Seldinger group; 52 patients [26 men and 26 women], mean age, 79.92 ± 13.38 years) in consecutive patients undergoing PC at two large tertiary university hospitals. The primary endpoints were technical success and procedure-related complication rates. Secondary endpoints included procedural duration, pain assessment, and clinical success after up to 3 months of follow-up. RESULTS. PC was successfully performed for all 105 patients. The clinical success rate was similar between the two study groups (86.8% in the trocar group vs 76.9% in the Seldinger group; p = 0.09). Mean procedural time was significantly lower in the trocar group than in the Seldinger group (1.77 ± 1.62 vs 4.88 ± 2.68 min; p < 0.0001). Significantly more procedure-related complications were noted in the Seldinger group than in the trocar group (11.5% vs 1.9%; p = 0.02). Among patients in the Seldinger group, bile leak occurred in 7.7%, abscess formation in 1.9%, and gallbladder rupture in 1.9%. No procedure-related death was noted. Minor bleeding occurred in one patient (1.9%) in the trocar group, but the bleeding resolved on its own. The mean pain score during the procedure was significantly lower in the Seldinger group than in the trocar group (3.2 ± 1.77 vs 4.76 ± 2.17; p = 0.01). At 12 hours after the procedure, the mean pain score was significantly lower for patients in the trocar group (0.78 ± 1.0 vs 3.12 ± 1.36; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION. Use of the bedside US-guided trocar technique for PC was equally effective as the Seldinger technique but was associated with fewer procedure-related complications, required less procedural time, and resulted in decreased postprocedural pain, compared with fluoroscopically guided PC using the Seldinger technique.

Percutaneous Management of Cancer Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe several effective imaging-guided, minimally invasive treatments to relieve cancer-associated pain in oncologic patients. Clinical applications, technical considerations, and current controversies are addressed. RECENT FINDINGS: The great variability in tumor subtype, location, and growth rates dictate the necessity for a tailored treatment approach. While opioids and radiotherapy may provide adequate relief for some patients, alternative minimally invasive procedures may augment theses more traditional treatments or even provide superior palliative relief. Recent image-guided percutaneous techniques applied to reduce cancer-associated pain and minimize opioid dependence include neurolysis, ablation, high intensity focused ultrasound, and bone consolidation. Each technique treats cancer pain in a unique method. Minimally invasive interventional radiology techniques can provide effective and lasting pain palliation for cancer patients through both indirect and direct effects. Selection among treatments techniques should be based upon an individually tailored approach, to include consideration of all treatment modalities.

Rare aneurysmal bone cysts: multifocal, extraosseous, and surface variants.

Multifocal, extraosseous, and surface aneurysmal bone cysts are rare variants of the primary lesions. The clinicopathological features are similar, and the optimal treatment is surgical. Although local recurrences may occur, the prognosis is excellent. This review article introduces the readers to a rare diagnosis which they may have been previously unfamiliar with, presents the clinicopathological and imaging features of these rare aneurysmal bone cyst variants, and discusses their diagnosis and treatment. The clinicians who treat patients with aneurysmal bone cysts should be familiar with these uncommon entities and their differential diagnosis.

Evaluation of pain reduction and height restoration post vertebral augmentation using a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polymer implant for the treatment of split (Magerl A2) vertebral fractures: a prospective, long-term, non-randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of the study were to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of augmented vertebroplasty using a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implant, for the treatment of lumbar or thoracic vertebral fractures (A2 according to the Magerl's AO classification) and to analyze pain reduction, height restoration, and complications during a 2-year follow-up period. METHODS: Prospective non-randomized evaluation was performed for 21 painful split vertebral fractures (20 patients, 14 females, 6 males; mean age 72.80 ± 10.991) treated with percutaneous vertebral augmentation using a PEEK device, under fluoroscopic guidance. Pain before the procedure and after 6, 12, and 24 months was evaluated using a numeric visual scale (NVS) questionnaire. Imaging was performed by CT and X-rays. The minimum craniocaudal diameter at the level of the fracture and the maximum craniocaudal diameter at the middle of the fractured vertebra were measured. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate pain decrease and height restoration. RESULTS: Successful implant positioning was achieved in all cases. No major clinical complications were observed. Comparing the mean pain scores at baseline (8.69 ± 1.138) and the first day after the treatment (1.19 ± 1.424), there was a decrease of 7.50 NVS units (p < 0.001). Minimum and maximum vertebral body heights were increased after the procedure 56.58% and 13.7% respectively (p < 0.001). Both pain relief and height restoration remained statistically significant (p < 0.001) during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: A2 Magerl thoracic or lumbar fractures could be successfully treated with PEEK implant-assisted vertebral augmentation. Randomized studies with larger sample sizes should be done to confirm the effectiveness of the technique. KEY POINTS: • Vertebral augmentation using a PEEK implant for the treatment of A2 Magerl lumbar or thoracic vertebral fractures seems to be effective both in terms of pain reduction and height restoration. • Effects on pain reduction and height restoration have a long-term duration. • The technique seems to be safe for the treatment of A2 Magerl fractures, without major complications in our study group.

The Role of Ablation in Cancer Pain Relief.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this article is to describe the concepts of ablation techniques for pain relief in symptomatic oncologic patients. Controversies concerning techniques and products will be addressed. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite conventional pain palliative techniques, cancer patients often endorse unresolved somatic and neuropathic pain that can present as a great burden to quality of life. In non-operative patients, several techniques have been applied to minimize opioid dependence. While radiotherapy is often considered as a non-invasive option, percutaneous ablation has been advanced as a minimally-invasive alternative with clear procedural and outcome advantages. Similar to radiation therapy, percutaneous ablation techniques can act either upon nerve structures responsible for pain mediation signals (neurolysis) or directly upon the tumor to relieve tumor-mediated inflammation and decompress tumor compression of adjacent structures. Percutaneous ablation provides valuable neurolysis and tumor-directed pain palliative effects to be incorporated into clinical guidelines for pain reduction in oncologic patients. Selection among different ablation techniques should be based upon an individually tailored approach, to include consideration of all treatment modalities.