CT-guided High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy versus Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background CT-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (hereafter, HDR brachytherapy) has been shown to be safe and effective for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but studies comparing this therapy with other local-regional therapies are scarce. Purpose To compare patient outcomes of HDR brachytherapy and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable HCC. Materials and Methods This multi-institutional retrospective study included consecutive treatment-naive adult patients with unresectable HCC who underwent either HDR brachytherapy or TACE between January 2010 and December 2022. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between patients matched for clinical and tumor characteristics by propensity score matching. Not all patients who underwent TACE had PFS available; thus, a different set of patients was used for PFS and OS analysis for this treatment. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated from Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results After propensity matching, 150 patients who underwent HDR brachytherapy (median age, 71 years [IQR, 63-77 years]; 117 males) and 150 patients who underwent TACE (OS analysis median age, 70 years [IQR, 63-77 years]; 119 male; PFS analysis median age, 68 years [IQR: 63-76 years]; 119 male) were analyzed. Hazard of death was higher in the TACE versus HDR brachytherapy group (HR, 4.04; P < .001). Median estimated PFS was 32.8 months (95% CI: 12.5, 58.7) in the HDR brachytherapy group and 11.6 months (95% CI: 4.9, 22.7) in the TACE group. Hazard of disease progression was higher in the TACE versus HDR brachytherapy group (HR, 2.23; P < .001). Conclusion In selected treatment-naive patients with unresectable HCC, treatment with CT-guided HDR brachytherapy led to improved OS and PFS compared with TACE. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Chapiro in this issue.

Collagen-Specific Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Prostate Cancer.

Constant interactions between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) influence the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). One of the key components of the ECM are collagen fibers, since they are responsible for the tissue stiffness, growth, adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion/metastasis, cell signaling, and immune recruitment of tumor cells. To explore this molecular marker in the content of PCa, we investigated two different tumor volumes (500 mm3 and 1000 mm3) of a xenograft mouse model of PCa with molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a collagen-specific probe. For in vivo MRI evaluation, T1-weighted sequences before and after probe administration were analyzed. No significant signal difference between the two tumor volumes could be found. However, we detected a significant difference between the signal intensity of the peripheral tumor area and the central area of the tumor, at both 500 mm3 (p < 0.01, n = 16) and at 1000 mm3 (p < 0.01, n = 16). The results of our histologic analyses confirmed the in vivo studies: There was no significant difference in the amount of collagen between the two tumor volumes (p > 0.05), but within the tumor, higher collagen expression was observed in the peripheral area compared with the central area of the tumor. Laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry further confirmed these results. The 1000 mm3 tumors contained 2.8 ± 1.0% collagen and the 500 mm3 tumors contained 3.2 ± 1.2% (n = 16). There was a strong correlation between the in vivo MRI data and the ex vivo histological data (y = −0.068x + 1.1; R2 = 0.74) (n = 16). The results of elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry supported the MRI data (y = 3.82x + 0.56; R2 = 0.79; n = 7). MRI with the collagen-specific probe in PCa enables differentiation between different tumor areas. This may help to differentiate tumor from healthy tissue, potentially identifying tumor areas with a specific tumor biology.

Trans-arterial chemoembolization with degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) versus selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To date there is no therapy consensus in patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (mHCC). PURPOSE: To compare outcome of trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) versus selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in mHCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single-center study, 36 patients without portal vein invasion, treated between May 2014 and May 2018, were enrolled retrospectively. Eighteen consecutive patients received DSM-TACE and were matched by age, gender, BCLC stage, Child-Pugh status, and tumor volume and 18 patients underwent SIRT. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local tumor control (LTC) were evaluated. Toxicity profiles for both therapies were also evaluated and compared. RESULTS: In the entire collective, median OS was 9.5, PFS 5.0, and LTC 5.5 months. Subgroup analysis revealed an OS of 9.5 months in both groups (P = 0.621). PFS was 6 months for the SIRT and 4 months for the DSM-TACE cohort (P = 0.065). Although not significantly, LTC was lower (4 months) in the SIRT compared to the DSM-TACE cohort (7 months; P = 0.391). When DSM-TACE was performed ≥3 times (n = 11), OS increased, however without statistical difference compared to SIRT, to 11 months, PFS to 7 months, and LTC to 7 months. When DSM-TACE was performed <3 times (n = 7), OS, PFS, and LTC decreased (5 months, P = 0.333; 2 months, P = 0.047; 2 months, P = 0.47). Toxicity profiles and adverse event analysis only revealed a significant difference for nausea and vomiting (more frequent in the SIRT cohort, P = 0.015), while no other parameter showed a significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DSM-TACE might be an alternative to SIRT in multifocal HCC patients as OS, PFS, and LTC did not differ significantly and toxicity profiles seem to be comparable.

Quantitative volumetric assessment of baseline enhancing tumor volume as an imaging biomarker predicts overall survival in patients with glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the commonest malignant primary brain tumor and still has one of the worst prognoses among cancers in general. There is a need for non-invasive methods to predict individual prognosis in patients with GBM. PURPOSE: To evaluate quantitative volumetric tissue assessment of enhancing tumor volume on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an imaging biomarker for predicting overall survival (OS) in patients with GBM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MRI scans of 49 patients with histopathologically confirmed GBM were analyzed retrospectively. Baseline contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI sequences were transferred to a segmentation-based three-dimensional quantification tool, and the enhancing tumor component was analyzed. Based on a cut-off percentage of the enhancing tumor volume (PoETV) of >84.78%, samples were dichotomized, and the OS and intracranial progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated. Univariable and multivariable analyses, including variables such as sex, Karnofsky Performance Status score, O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase status, age, and resection status, were performed using the Cox regression model. RESULTS: The median OS and PFS were 16.9 and 7 months in the entire cohort, respectively. Patients with a CE tumor volume of >84.78% showed a significantly shortened OS (12.9 months) compared to those with a CE tumor volume of ≤84.78% (17.7 months) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-6.03; P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis confirmed that PoETV had a significant prognostic role (HR 2.47; 95% CI 1.08-5.65; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: We observed a correlation between PoETV and OS. This imaging biomarker may help predict the OS of patients with GBM.

Quantitative MRI for Assessment of Treatment Outcomes in a Rabbit VX2 Hepatic Tumor Model.

Globally, primary and secondary liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types, accounting 8.2% of deaths worldwide in 2018. One of the key strategies to improve the patient's prognosis is the early diagnosis, when liver function is still preserved. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the typical wash-in/wash-out pattern in conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reaches a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 96-100%. However, in recent years functional MRI sequences such as hepatocellular-specific gadolinium-based dynamic-contrast enhanced MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have been demonstrated to improve the evaluation of treatment success and thus the therapeutic decision-making and the patient's outcome. In the preclinical research setting, the VX2 liver rabbit tumor, which once originated from a virus-induced anaplastic squamous cell carcinoma, has played a longstanding role in experimental interventional oncology. Especially the high tumor vascularity allows assessing the treatment response of locoregional interventions such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transcatheter arterial embolization (TACE). Functional MRI has been used to monitor the tumor growth and viability following interventional treatment. Besides promising results, a comprehensive overview of functional MRI sequences used so far in different treatment setting is lacking, thus lowering the comparability of study results. This review offers a comprehensive overview of study protocols, results, and limitations of quantitative MRI sequences applied to evaluate the treatment outcome of VX2 hepatic tumor models, thus generating a unique basis for future MRI studies and potential translation into the clinical setting. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:668-685.

Feasibility and Safety of CT-Guided High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Combined with Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Irinotecan-Loaded Microspheres for the Treatment of Large, Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility and safety of combined irinotecan chemoembolization and CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases > 3 cm in diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 23 patients (age, 70 y ± 11.3; 16 men) with 47 liver metastases (size, 62 mm ± 18.7). Catheter-related adverse events were reported per Society of Interventional Radiology classification, and treatment toxicities were reported per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Liver-related blood values were analyzed by Wilcoxon test, with P < .05 as significant. Time to local tumor progression, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: No catheter-related major or minor complications were recorded. Significant differences vs baseline levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; both P < .001), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT; P = .013), and hemoglobin (P = .014) were recorded. After therapy, 11 of 23 patients (47.8%) presented with new grade I/II toxicities (bilirubin, n = 3 [13%]; AST, n = 16 [70%]; ALT, n = 18 [78%]; ALP, n = 12 [52%] and hemoglobin, n = 15 [65%]). Moreover, grade III/IV toxicities developed in 10 (43.5%; 1 grade IV): AST, n = 6 (26%), grade III, n = 5; grade IV, n = 1; ALT, n = 3 (13%); GGT, n = 7 (30%); and hemoglobin, n = 1 (4%). However, all new toxicities resolved within 3 months after therapy without additional treatment. Median local tumor control, PFS, and OS were 6, 4, and 8 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Combined irinotecan chemoembolization and CT-guided HDRBT is safe and shows a low incidence of toxicities, which were self-resolving.

Image-guided Irreversible Electroporation of Localized Prostate Cancer: Functional and Oncologic Outcomes.

Background Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a nonthermal ablative method based on the formation of nanoscale defects in cell membranes leading to cell death. Clinical experience with the technique for treatment of prostate cancer remains limited. Purpose To evaluate urogenital toxicity and oncologic outcome of MRI-transrectal US fusion-guided IRE of localized prostate cancer. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, men with biopsy-proven, treatment-naive, low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen [PSA], ≤15 ng/mL; Gleason score, ≤3 + 4; clinical stage, ≤T2c; lesion size at multiparametric MRI, ≤20 mm) underwent focal MRI/transrectal US fusion-guided IRE between July 2014 and July 2017. Primary end point was the urogenital toxicity profile of focal IRE by using participant-reported questionnaires. Secondary end points were biochemical, histologic, and imaging measures of oncologic control. Analyses were performed by using nonparametric and χ2 test statistics. Results Thirty men were included (median age, 65.5 years); mean PSA level was 8.65 ng/mL and mean tumor size was 13.5 mm. One grade III adverse event (urethral stricture) was recorded. The proportion of men with erection sufficient for penetration was 83.3% (25 of 30) at baseline and 79.3% (23 of 29; P > .99) at 12 months. Leak-free and pad-free continence rate was 90% (27 of 30) at baseline and 86.2% (25 of 29; P > .99) at 12 months. Urogenital function remained stable at 12 months according to changes in the modified International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, or ICIQ-MLUTS, and the International Index of Erectile Function, or IIEF-5, questionnaires (P = .58 and P = .07, respectively). PSA level decreased from a baseline median value of 8.65 ng/mL (interquartile range, 5-11.4 ng/mL) to 2.35 ng/mL (interquartile range, 1-3.4 ng/mL) at 12 months (P < .001). At 6 months, 28 of 30 participants underwent posttreatment biopsy. The rate of in-field treatment failure was 17.9% (five of 28) as determined with multiparametric prostate MRI and targeted biopsies at 6 months. Conclusion After a median follow-up of 20 months, focal irreversible electroporation of localized prostate cancer was associated with low urogenital toxicity and promising oncologic outcomes. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Peripherally inserted central catheters: dependency of radiation exposure from puncture site and level of training.

Background Several interventional procedures show a dependency on fluoroscopy times (FT) and level of training. Furthermore, FT and dose area products (DAP) vary depending on access site and target vessel for chest port implantations, but not for other thoracic interventions such as percutaneous coronary interventions. Purpose To evaluate the influence of the combination of venous access site and level of training on FTs and DAPs during peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) implantations in a large cohort of patients. Material and Methods In this retrospective study, PICC implantations of 681 consecutive patients (385 women, 296 men; mean age = 55.0 ± 16.7 years) were analyzed. Two groups of junior (< 50 interventions) and senior (≥ 50 implantations) radiologists were investigated in respect to FT and DAP during PICC placement procedures. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Senior radiologists required significantly less FT (senior = 0.43 s, junior = 0.53 s, P = 0.041), but there was no significant difference in DAPs (senior = 56.3 µGy*m2, junior = 60.6 µGy*m2, P = 0.151). PICC implantations through the left side resulted in a significant reduction of the median FT by 60.9% (left = 0.45 s, right = 1.15 s, P = 0.010). Conclusion Due to considerable dose reduction, the left-sided puncture, especially via the basilic and brachial veins, performed by well-trained interventional radiologists seem to be the preferable approach for PICCs.

Initial Experience with CT-Guided High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy in the Multimodality Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) of neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) with the goal of local tumor control (LTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients with unresectable NELM treated with CT-guided HDRBT between January 2007 and April 2015. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up was performed 6 weeks after ablation and then every 3 months. The primary endpoint was LTC. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and complications. RESULTS: In 27 patients, 52 NELM were treated in 40 sessions. Three patients (11.1%) developed local progression with LTC of 1.9-36.8 months (median 10.4 months, mean 16.4 months). The remaining 24 patients (89.9%) had LTC of 3.1-106.1 months (median 31.3 months, mean 32.6 months). Progression or death was observed in 19 patients (70.4%) with PFS of 1.9-55.3 months (median 7.3 months, mean 16.3 months); the remaining 8 patients (29.6%) had PFS of 3.7-50.1 months (median 13.4 months, mean 19.6 months). Four patients (14.8%) died of causes unrelated to the procedure; their OS was 11.7-52.3 months (median 48.7 months, mean 40.4 months). OS was 4.2-106.1 months (median 30.3 months, mean 34.1 months) in the 23 surviving patients (85.2%). One patient experienced pain with nausea and vomiting, and 1 patient with biliodigestive anastomosis had a hepatic abscess. CONCLUSION: CT-guided HDRBT is a promising therapy with excellent LTC rates and low morbidity for patients with isolated/oligometastatic NELM.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Split-Bolus Single-Phase Contrast-Enhanced Cone-Beam CT for the Detection of Liver Tumors before Transarterial Chemoembolization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate detectability of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using split-bolus cone-beam CT in intraindividual comparison between cone-beam CT and contrast-enhanced MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective, single-center study, 28 patients with 85 HCC tumors were treated with transarterial chemoembolization between May 2015 and June 2016. All patients underwent arterial and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) MR imaging within 1 month before transarterial chemoembolization. Cone-beam CT images were acquired using a split-bolus contrast injection with 2 contrast injections and 1 cone-beam CT acquisition. Statistical analyses included Friedman 2-way analysis, Kendall coefficient of concordance, and Wilcoxon test. Tumor detectability was scored using a 5-point system (1 = best; 5 = worst) by 2 independent readers resulting in 170 evaluated tumors. Quantitative analysis included signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratio and contrast measurements. P values < .05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Better tumor detection was provided with split-bolus cone-beam CT (2.91/2.73) and HBP MR imaging (2.93/2.21) compared with arterial MR imaging (3.72/3.05; P < .001) without statistical difference between cone-beam CT and HBP MR imaging in terms of detectability (P = .154) and sensitivity for hypervascularized tumors. More tumors were identified on cone-beam CT (n = 121/170) than on arterial MR imaging (n = 94/170). Average contrast-to-noise ratio values of arterial and HBP MR imaging were higher than for cone-beam CT (7.79, 8.58, 4.43), whereas contrast values were higher for cone-beam CT than for MR imaging (0.11, 0.13, 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Split-bolus cone-beam CT showed excellent detectability of HCC. Sensitivity is comparable to HBP MR imaging and better than arterial phase MR imaging.

Influence of fractional anisotropy thresholds on diffusion tensor imaging tractography of the periprostatic neurovascular bundle and selected pelvic tissues: do visualized tracts really represent nerves?

Background Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography has recently been shown to successfully visualize periprostatic tracts allegedly representing the neurovascular bundle. Purpose To examine the impact of different fractional anisotropy (FA) thresholds on the results of DTI tractography in the male pelvis as well as to evaluate the resulting specificity for nerve tracts. Material and Methods Ten healthy male volunteers were examined at 3 Tesla. DTI tractography was performed based on seed points placed circularly around the prostate, in the rectoprostatic angle, the peripheral zone of the prostate, the sciatic nerve, and in addition the urinary bladder using FA thresholds of 0.20, 0.05, and 0.01. DTI tract number and DTI tract length measured with different FA thresholds were compared. ANOVA with repeated measures was used for statistics. Results DTI tract number and tract length were significantly dependent on FA thresholds. While a FA threshold of 0.20 visualized the typical distribution of DTI tracts in the sciatic nerve, a FA threshold of ≤0.05 was necessary to yield results visually mimicking the distribution of nerve tracts in the NVB. However, with such low FA thresholds even in the filled urinary bladder DTI tracts could be visualized. With FA thresholds of 0.20, the number and length of periprostatic DTI tracts did not differ from those measured within the prostate. Conclusion DTI tractography can be used to visualize DTI tracts periprostatically. However, one may doubt that these DTI tracts represent nerve tracts and that the periprostatic neurovascular bundle can be evaluated in a meaningful way with the current methods available.

CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 6-year period, 98 patients with 212 unresectable HCC underwent CT-HDRBT applying a (192)Ir source at our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up was performed 6 weeks after the intervention and then every 3 months. The primary endpoint was local tumor control (LTC); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Patients were available for MRI evaluation for a mean follow-up of 23.1 months (range 4-64 months; median 20 months). Mean tumor diameter was 5 cm (range 1.8-12 cm). Eighteen of 212 (8.5 %) tumors showed local progression after a mean LTC of 21.1 months. In all, 67 patients (68.4 %) experienced distant tumor progression. The mean PFS was 15.2 months. Forty-six patients died during the follow-up period. Median OS was 29.2 months. Actuarial 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 80, 62, and 46 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: CT-HDRBT is an effective therapy to attain local tumor control in patients with unresectable HCC. Prospective randomized studies comparing CT-HDRBT with the standard treatments like Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and chemoembolization (TACE) are mandatory.

CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma using a novel battery-powered drill.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a novel battery-powered drill, enabling specimen requirement while drilling, in radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma as an alternative to conventional orthopedic drills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, altogether 33 patients underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of an osteoid osteoma at our institution. To access the nidus of the clinically and radiologically suspected osteoid osteoma, a channel was drilled using the OnControl Bone Marrow Biopsy System (OBM, Arrow OnControl, Teleflex, Shavano Park, TX, USA) and a biopsy was taken. Procedure time (i.e., drilling including local anesthesia), amount of scans (i.e., single-shot fluoroscopy), radiation exposure, and the results of biopsy were investigated and compared retrospectively to a classical approach using either a manual bone biopsy system or a conventional orthopedic drill (n = 10) after ethical review board approval. RESULTS: Drilling the tract into the nidus was performed without problems in 22 of the 23 OBM cases. Median procedure time was 7 min compared to 13 min using the classical approach (p < 0.001). Median amount CT scans, performed to control correct positioning of the drill was comparable with 26 compared to 24.5 (p = NS) scans. Histologically, the diagnosis of osteoid osteomas could be determined in all 17 cases where a biopsy was taken. Radiofrequency ablation could be performed without problems in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the battery-powered drill was feasible and facilitated the access to the osteoid osteoma's nidus offering the possibility to extract a specimen in the same step.

CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy in the interdisciplinary treatment of patients with liver metastases of pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT) is an interventional radiologic technique for local ablation of primary and secondary malignomas applying a radiation source through a brachycatheter percutaneously into the targeted lesion. The aim of this study was to assess local tumor control, safety and efficacy of CT-HDRBT in the treatment of liver metastases of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with 49 unresectable liver metastases of pancreatic cancer were included in this retrospective trial and treated with CT-HDRBT, applied as a single fraction high-dose irradiation (15-20 Gy) using a 192Ir-source. Primary endpoint was local tumor control and secondary endpoints were complications, progression-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS: The mean tumor diameter was 29 mm (range 10-73). The mean irradiation time was 20 minutes (range 7-42). The mean coverage of the clinical target volume was 98% (range 88%-100%). The mean D100 was 18.1 Gy and the median D100 was 19.78 Gy. Three major complications occurred with post-interventional abscesses, three of which were seen in 15 patients with biliodigestive anastomosis (20%) and overall 15%. The mean follow-up time was 13.7 months (range 1.4-55.0). The median progression-free survival was 4.9 months (range 1.4-42.9, mean 9.4). Local recurrence occurred in 5 (10%) of 49 metastases treated. The median overall survival after CT-HDRBT was 8.6 months (range 1.5-55.3). Eleven patients received chemotherapy after ablation with a median progression-free survival of 4.9 months (mean 12.9). Nine patients did not receive chemotherapy after intervention with a median progression-free survival of 3.2 months (mean 5.0). The rate of local tumor control was 91% in both groups after 12 months. CONCLUSION: CT-HDRBT was safe and effective for the treatment of liver metastases of pancreatic cancer.

Effectiveness and safety of computed tomography-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy in treating recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma not amenable to repeated resection or radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided high-dose-rate HDR) brachytherapy in treating recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not amenable to repeated resection or radiofrequency ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to January 2022, 38 patients (mean age, 70.1 years; SD ± 9.0 years) with 79 nodular and four diffuse intrahepatic HCC recurrences not amenable to repeated resection or radiofrequency ablation underwent CT-guided HDR brachytheapy in our department. Tumor response was evaluated by cross-sectional imaging 6 weeks after CT-guided HDR brachytherapy and every 3 months thereafter. Local tumor control (LTC), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves (KPCs). Severity of procedure-related complications (PRCs) was classified as recommended by the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). RESULTS: Patients were available for MRI evaluation for a mean follow-up of 33.1 months (SD, ±21.6 mm, range 4-86 months; median 29 months). Patients had a mean of 2.3 (SD, ±1.4) intrahepatic tumors. Mean tumor diameter was 43.2 mm (SD, ±19.6 mm). 13 of 38 (34.2%) patients showed local tumor progression after CT-guided HDR brachytherapy. Mean LTC was 29.3 months (SD, ±22.1). Distant tumor progression was seen in 12 patients (31.6%). The mean PFS was 20.8 months (SD, ±22.1). Estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS rates were 65.1%, 35.1% and 22.5%, respectively. 13 patients died during the follow-up period. Mean OS was 35.4 months (SD, ±21.7). Estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 91.5%, 77.4% and 58.0%, respectively. SIR grade 1 complications were recorded in 8.6% (5/38) and SIR grade 2 complications in 3.4% (2/58) of interventions. CONCLUSION: CT-guided HDR brachytherapy is a safe and efficient therapeutic option for managing large or critically located HCC recurrences in the remaining liver after prior hepatic resection.

Percutaneous Computed Tomography (CT) Fluoroscopy-Guided Biopsy of the Spleen Using Fibrin Glue as a Sealant.

Some authors consider the risk of bleeding an absolute contraindication to percutaneous image-guided splenic puncture. While splenic punctures are mainly performed at specialized centers, no technique for the closure of the puncture tract has been broadly established. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a percutaneous image-guided biopsy of the spleen using fibrin glue to plug the tract. A total of 27 requests for splenic image-guided interventions were identified between 2010 and 2021 and considered for inclusion in our retrospective single-center study. Seven patients needed to be excluded, which left twenty patients who underwent a percutaneous computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided biopsy of a splenic lesion during this period. In all patients, a 17G coaxial needle with an 18G core biopsy needle was used. Diagnostic adequacy and accuracy were evaluated, and complications were classified using the CIRSE classification system for adverse events. Diagnostic adequacy was 100% (20/20), and a median of four samples were collected. Diagnostic accuracy was 80% (16/20). The four off-target samples included one inconclusive finding and three samples of regular spleen tissue. The overall complication rate was 5% (1/20). No mild (grade 1-2) or moderate (grade 3-4) complications occurred. One severe (grade 5-6) complication occurred. Although controversial and potentially high-risk, diagnostic percutaneous biopsies of the spleen appear to be relatively safe with the use of fibrin glue to seal the tract.

Opportunistic screening for long-term muscle wasting in critically ill patients: insights from an acute pancreatitis cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of long-term muscle monitoring, we implemented an AI-guided segmentation approach on clinically indicated Computed Tomography (CT) examinations conducted throughout the hospitalization period of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute pancreatitis (AP). In addition, we aimed to investigate the potential of muscle monitoring for early detection of patients at nutritional risk and those experiencing adverse outcomes. This cohort served as a model for potential integration into clinical practice. MATERIALS: Retrospective cohort study including 100 patients suffering from AP that underwent a minimum of three CT scans during hospitalization, totaling 749 assessments. Sequential segmentation of psoas muscle area (PMA) was performed and was relative muscle loss per day for the entire monitoring period, as well as for the interval between each consecutive scan was calculated. Subgroup and outcome analyses were performed including ANOVA. Discriminatory power of muscle decay rates was evaluated using ROC analysis. RESULTS: Monitoring PMA decay revealed significant long-term losses of 48.20% throughout the hospitalization period, with an average daily decline of 0.98%. Loss rates diverged significantly between survival groups, with 1.34% PMA decay per day among non-survivors vs. 0.74% in survivors. Overweight patients exhibited significantly higher total PMA losses (52.53 vs. 42.91%; p = 0.02) and average PMA loss per day (of 1.13 vs. 0.80%; p = 0.039). The first and the maximum decay rate, in average available after 6.16 and 17.03 days after ICU admission, showed convincing discriminatory power for survival in ROC analysis (AUC 0.607 and 0.718). Both thresholds for maximum loss (at 3.23% decay per day) and for the initial loss rate (at 1.98% per day) proved to be significant predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The innovative AI-based PMA segmentation method proved robust and effortless, enabling the first comprehensive assessment of muscle wasting in a large cohort of intensive care pancreatitis patients. Findings revealed significant muscle wasting (48.20% on average), particularly notable in overweight individuals. Higher rates of initial and maximum muscle loss, detectable early, correlated strongly with survival. Integrating this tool into routine clinical practice will enable continuous muscle status tracking and early identification of those at risk for unfavorable outcomes.

Pneumothorax risk reduction during CT-guided lung biopsy - Effect of fluid application to the pleura before lung puncture and the gravitational effect of pleural pressure.

PURPOSE: This study investigated strategies to reduce pneumothorax risk in CT-guided lung biopsy. The approach involved administering 10 ml of 1 % lidocaine fluid in the subpleural or pleural space before lung puncture and utilizing the gravitational effect of pleural pressure with specific patient positioning. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 72 percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsies performed at a single center between January 2020 and April 2023. These were grouped based on fluid administration during the biopsy and whether the biopsies were conducted in dependent or non-dependent lung regions. Confounding factors like patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and procedural details were assessed. Patient characteristics and the occurrence of pneumothoraces were compared using a Kurskal-Wallis test for continuous variables and a Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify potential confounders. RESULTS: Subpleural or pleural fluid administration and performing biopsies in dependent lung areas were significantly linked to lower peri-interventional pneumothorax incidence (n = 15; 65 % without fluid in non-dependent areas, n = 5; 42 % without fluid in dependent areas, n = 5; 36 % with fluid in non-dependent areas,n = 0; 0 % with fluid in dependent areas; p = .001). Even after adjusting for various factors, biopsy in dependent areas and fluid administration remained independently associated with reduced pneumothorax risk (OR 0.071, p<=.01 for lesions with fluid administration; OR 0.077, p = .016 for lesions in dependent areas). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-puncture fluid administration to the pleura and consideration of gravitational effects during patient positioning can effectively decrease pneumothorax occurrences in CT-guided lung biopsy.

Sensitivity of magnetic resonance elastography to extracellular matrix and cell motility in human prostate cancer cell line-derived xenograft models.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health problem in the male population of the Western world. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), an emerging medical imaging technique sensitive to mechanical properties of biological tissues, detects PCa based on abnormally high stiffness and viscosity values. Yet, the origin of these changes in tissue properties and how they correlate with histopathological markers and tumor aggressiveness are largely unknown, hindering the use of tumor biomechanical properties for establishing a noninvasive PCa staging system. To infer the contributions of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and cell motility, we investigated fresh tissue specimens from two PCa xenograft mouse models, PC3 and LNCaP, using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), quantitative histology, and nuclear shape analysis. Increased tumor stiffness and impaired water diffusion were observed to be associated with collagen and elastin accumulation and decreased cell motility. Overall, LNCaP, while more representative of clinical PCa than PC3, accumulated fewer ECM components, induced less restriction of water diffusion, and exhibited increased cell motility, resulting in overall softer and less viscous properties. Taken together, our results suggest that prostate tumor stiffness increases with ECM accumulation and cell adhesion - characteristics that influence critical biological processes of cancer development. MRE paired with DWI provides a powerful set of imaging markers that can potentially predict prostate tumor development from benign masses to aggressive malignancies in patients. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Xenograft models of human prostate tumor cell lines, allowing correlation of microstructure-sensitive biophysical imaging parameters with quantitative histological methods, can be investigated to identify hallmarks of cancer.