Microwave vs radiofrequency ablation for small renal masses: perioperative and oncological outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comprehensive comparison of microwave ablation (MWA) vs radiofrequency ablation (RFA) outcomes in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs), specifically: TRIFECTA ([i] complete ablation, [ii] absence of Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥III complications, and [iii] absence of ≥30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate) achievement, operative time (OT), and local recurrence rate (LRR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 531 patients with SRMs (clinical T1a-b) treated with MWA or RFA at a single centre (2008-2022). First, multivariable logistic regression models were used for testing TRIFECTA achievement. Second, multivariable Poisson regression models were used to evaluate variables associated with longer OT. Finally, Kaplan-Meier plots depicted LRR over time. All analyses were repeated after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: Of 531 patients with SRMs, 373/531 (70.2%) underwent MWA and 158/531 (29.8%) RFA. MWA demonstrated superior TRIFECTA achievement (314/373 [84.2%]) compared to RFA (114/158 [72.2%], P = 0.001). These differences were driven by higher rates of complete ablation in MWA- vs RFA-treated patients (348/373 [93.3%] vs 137/158 [86.7%], P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression models, MWA was associated with higher TRIFECTA achievement, compared to RFA, before (odds ratio [OR] 1.92, P = 0.008) and after PSM (OR 1.99, P = 0.023). Finally, the median OT was shorter for MWA vs RFA (105 vs 115 min; P = 0.002). At Poisson regression analyses, MWA predicted shorter OT before (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.86, P < 0.001) and after PSM (IRR 0.85, P < 0.001). Local recurrence occurred in 17/373 (4.6%) MWA-treated patients and 21/158 (13.3%) RFA-treated patients (P = 0.29) after a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 24 (8-46) months. There were no differences in the LRR in Kaplan-Meier plots before (P = 0.29) and after PSM (P = 0.42). CONCLUSION: Microwave ablation provides higher TRIFECTA achievement, and shorter OT than RFA. No significant differences were found regarding the LRR.

Prospective Cohort Study Quantifying the Effect of the LevaLap 1.0 on the Distance between the Abdominal Wall and Intra-abdominal Viscera.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: More than 13 million laparoscopic procedures are performed globally every year. The LevaLap 1.0 device may facilitate safe abdominal access when using the Veress needle for initial abdominal insufflation during laparoscopic surgery. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that use of the LevaLap 1.0 would increase the distance from the abdominal wall to underlying viscera and the retroperitoneum, including from major vessels. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Referral center. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients scheduled to undergo an interventional radiology procedure under general anesthesia and muscle relaxation. INTERVENTIONS: Application of the LevaLap 1.0 device on the umbilicus and on Palmer's point, during computed tomography scanning. MEASUREMENTS: Distance from the abdominal wall to the underlying bowel and to retroperitoneal blood vessels and more distant intra-abdominal organs before and after vacuum was applied to the LevaLap 1.0. MAIN RESULTS: The device did not significantly increase the distance from the abdominal wall to the immediate underlying bowel. Alternatively, the LevaLap 1.0 created a significant increase in the distance between the abdominal wall at the access point and more distant intra-abdominal organs at the umbilicus and at Palmer's point (mean ± SD: +3.91 ± 2.32 cm, p = .001, and +3.41 ± 3.12 cm, p = .001, respectively). At the umbilicus, the device increased the distance between the abdominal wall and the anterior wall of the vena cava by +5.32 ± 1.22 cm (p = .004) or the anterior wall of the aorta by 5.49 ± 1.40 cm (p = .004). At Palmer's point, the device increased the distance between the anterior abdominal wall and the colon and/or small bowel by 2.13 ± 1.81 cm (p = .023). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The LevaLap 1.0 increased the distance between abdominal wall and major retroperitoneal blood vessels by >5 cm, promoting safer access during Veress needle insufflation when performing laparoscopic surgery.

Multi-institutional analysis of outcomes for thermosphere microwave ablation treatment of colorectal liver metastases: the SMAC study.

OBJECTIVES: Oligometastatic colorectal cancer benefits of locoregional treatments but data concerning microwave ablation (MWA) are limited and interactions with systemic therapy are still debated. The aim of this study is to evaluate safety and effectiveness of Thermosphere™ MWA (T-MWA) of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and factors affecting local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS). METHODS: In this multi-institutional retrospective study (January 2015-September 2019), patients who underwent T-MWA for CLM were enrolled. Complications according to SIR classification were collected, primary efficacy and LTP were calculated. Analyzed variables included CLM size at diagnosis and at ablation, CLM number, ablation margins, intra-segment progression, chemotherapy before ablation (CBA), variations in size (ΔSDIA-ABL), and velocity of size variation (VDIA-ABL) between CLM diagnosis and ablation. Uni/multivariate analyses were performed using mixed effects Cox model to account for the hierarchical structure of data, patient/lesions. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two patients with 213 CLM were evaluated. Complications were reported in 6/150 procedures (4%); no biliary complications occurred. Primary efficacy was achieved in 204/213 CLM (95.7%). LTP occurred in 58/204 CLM (28.4%). Six-, twelve-, and eighteen-month LTPFS were 88.2%, 75.8%, and 69.9%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, CLM size at ablation (p = 0.00045), CLM number (p = 0.046), ablation margin < 5 mm (p = 0.0035), and intra-segment progression (p < 0.0001) were statistically significant for LTPFS. ΔSDIA-ABL (p = 0.63) and VDIA-ABL (p = 0.38) did not affect LTPFS. Ablation margins in the chemo-naïve group were larger than those in the CBA group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: T-MWA is a safe and effective technology with adequate LTPFS rates. Intra-segment progression is significantly linked to LTPFS. CBA does not affect LTPFS. Anticipating ablation before chemotherapy may take the advantages of adequate tumor size with correct ablation margin planning. KEY POINTS: • Thermosphere™-Microwave ablation is a safe and effective treatment for colorectal liver metastases with no registered biliary complications in more than 200 ablations. • Metastases size at time of ablation, intra-segment progression, and minimal ablation margin < 5 mm were found statistically significant for local tumor progression-free survival. • Chemotherapy before ablation modifies kinetics growth of the lesions but deteriorates ablation margins and does not significantly impact local tumor progression-free survival.

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.

Real-time US/cone-beam CT fusion imaging for percutaneous ablation of small renal tumours: a technical note.

INTRODUCTION: Fusion imaging is gaining attention as an imaging technique to assist minimally invasive tumour ablation. Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) are the most common imaging modalities to guide thermal ablation of renal tumours, yet cone-beam CT (CBCT) has recently been described to successfully assist percutaneous renal interventions. Our goal was to evaluate primary technical success and correct lesion targeting of US/CBCT fusion imaging to guide the ablation of kidney masses < 2 cm in a small group of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six renal lesions (maximum diameter 11-17 mm) were treated with RFA in 5 different patients using real-time US/CBCT. Fusion imaging was used to identify and monitor tumour ablation. Demographics, tumour characteristics and mean serum creatinine levels were recorded before and after the procedure. Primary technical success and correct lesion targeting represented the main endpoints of the study. Primary technique efficacy was confirmed at 1-month and 3-month contrast-enhanced CT follow-ups. RESULTS: In all cases, a confident US/CBCT synchronisation was reached and allowed for a correct targeting and a successful percutaneous ablation. Primary technique efficacy was 100%. No recurrence was observed at the follow-up that ranged from 8 to 26 months (mean 16 months). CONCLUSIONS: US/CBCT fusion proved to be a viable method to precisely guide safe and effective percutaneous thermal ablation in patients with small renal tumours, especially when hardly detectable on US. KEY POINTS: • US/CBCT fusion imaging for renal ablation is safe and feasible. • US/CBCT fusion imaging allows for an improved targeting and complete ablation of small RCC with poor US-conspicuity.

Real-Time US-CT fusion imaging for guidance of thermal ablation in of renal tumors invisible or poorly visible with US: results in 97 cases.

PURPOSE: To assess the capability of ultrasound-computed tomography (US-CT) fusion imaging to guide a precise targeting of renal tumors invisible or poorly visible with US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2016 renal tumors poorly visible or inconspicuous/invisible at US were treated at our institution with the guidance of US/CT fusion in a room equipped with CT scanner. Feasibility of the procedure, accuracy of targeting, complications, and technique efficacy were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 227 patients treated from 2016 to March 2020, 91 patients (65 males and 26 females, mean age 68.5 ± 10.1 years) with 97 renal lesions (mean maximum diameter 21.6 ± 9.4 mm) inconspicuous/invisible (29/97, 29.9%) or poorly visible (68/97, 70.1%) at US underwent treatment under US-CT fusion guidance. US-CT fusion imaging guidance was always technically feasible and enabled correct targeting in 97/97/(100%) of cases. Technical success was achieved in 93/97 lesions (95.9%). Three lesions were retreated during the same ablative session, while 1 was retreated in a subsequent session. Thus, primary efficacy was achieved in one session in 96/97 (98.9%) cases and secondary efficacy in 97/97 (100%) cases. CONCLUSION: US-CT image fusion guidance allows for a correct tumor targeting of renal tumors poorly visible or inconspicuous/invisible with US alone, with a high rate of technical success and technique efficacy.

Image-guided thermal ablation of central renal tumors with retrograde cold pyeloperfusion technique: a monocentric experience.

Purpose: To evaluate feasibility, safety and efficacy of image-guided thermal ablations associated with retrograde pyeloperfusion in patients with centrally located renal tumors.Materials and methods: 48 patients (15 women, 33 men, mean age 69.1 ± 11.8) were treated with image-guided thermal ablation associated with pyeloperfusion for 58 centrally located renal tumors (mean diameter 32.3 ± 7.32 mm). 7 patients had a single kidney. Microwave and radiofrequency ablation were used. All treatments were performed with ultrasound, CT, or fusion imaging guidance under general anesthesia and simultaneous retrograde cold pyeloperfusion technique.Results: Procedure was feasible in all cases. Technical success and primary technical efficacy were reached in 51/58 (88%) and 45/54 tumors (83%). With a second ablation performed in 5 tumors, secondary technical efficacy was achieved in 50/50 (100%) tumors. Minor and major complications occurred in 8/58 (13%) and 5/58 (8%) tumors. No significative change in renal function occurred after treatment.During follow-up, 5 recurrences occurred, that were retreated with a second ablation. At last follow up (mean 32.2 ± 22.0 months), 41/48 (85%) treated patients were free from disease. The median TTP and PFS were 27.0 (range, 2.3-80.0) and 26.5 months (range, 2.3-80.0), respectively.Conclusion: Image-guided thermal ablation associated with protective pyeloperfusion is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option for patients with central renal tumors with a minimal impact on renal function and relevant potential to avoid nephrectomy.

Pancreatic ablation: minimally invasive treatment options.

Despite the significant improvement of knowledge and technologies in tumor treatments, pancreatic tumor remains a complex disease still characterized by a poor prognosis. The increasing role of minimally invasive techniques started to drive the effort of scientific medicine to evaluate the possibilities of application of these techniques to pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this paper is to present a brief summary of the different ablative techniques available and proposed for pancreatic tumor treatment considering invasive, noninvasive, thermal and non-thermal techniques.

Ultrasound and cone beam CT fusion for liver ablation: technical note.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of fusion imaging between intraprocedural ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced cone-beam CT (CBCT) for small (< 2 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients (five males, one female, age range 58-80, mean 69 years), with small (mean diameter 16.8 mm) HCC poorly visible at US underwent percutaneous microwave ablation under US/CBCT fusion guidance. During general anesthesia with apnea control, a contrast- enhanced CBCT was acquired with an active tracker. Subsequently, real time US images were fused with CBCT images, and treatment performed under fusion imaging guidance. Feasibility of fusion imaging and percutaneous ablation were assessed, correct targeting (distance from center of tumor and center of ablation area <5 mm) and one-month primary technical efficacy were evaluated. Major and minor complications as well as overall procedural time were recorded. RESULTS: US/CBCT fusion was feasible in all cases, allowing for completion of the treatment as previously planned (technical success 100%). Correct targeting was achieved in 4/6 cases (66%), while in two cases, center of tumor and center of ablated area were respectively 7 and 8 mm distant. At 1 month CT scan, all tumors were completely ablated (primary technical efficacy 100%). No major or minor complications occurred. Mean overall procedure time was 127 min. CONCLUSIONS: US/CBCT fusion is a feasible technique for liver ablation, and might represent a useful tool to increase the correct targeting of poorly US-visible HCC nodules in the angio suite.

Ultrasound-guided high intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of gynaecological diseases: A review of safety and efficacy.

As a non-surgical treatment, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has received increasing interest for the treatment of gynaecological diseases over the last 10 years. Many studies have shown that HIFU is safe and effective in treating patients with uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, cervicitis or vulvar diseases. Both magnetic resonance imaging-guided HIFU (MRgHIFU) and ultrasound-guided HIFU (USgHIFU) can offer gynaecologists non-invasive techniques to treat patients with uterine benign diseases. Focused ultrasound therapy can also be used effectively to treat cervicitis and vulvar diseases. As gynaecologists gain more experience with this technology, the rate of severe adverse effects has been lowered with the development of this non-invasive technique. In this paper we review the literature available regarding the utilisation of magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound/MRgHIFU or USgHIFU and new findings from our group in the treatment of gynaecological diseases: uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, cervicitis, vulvar diseases, caesarean scar pregnancies, and abdominal wall endometriosis.

Ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation for the treatment of patients with adenomyosis and prior abdominal surgical scars: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to retrospectively compare the therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) treatment for adenomyotic patients with or without prior abdominal surgical scars. METHODS: From January 2011 to March 2014, 534 patients with adenomyosis were referred for HIFU treatment. Among them, 118 patients had prior abdominal surgical scars, 416 patients did not have prior abdominal surgical scars. Contrast-enhanced MRI was used to evaluate the treatment outcomes. All the adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: All patients completed USgHIFU treatment. A fractional ablation of 74.8 ± 27.8% was achieved in the group of patients without abdominal scars; the fractional ablation was 75.6 ± 22.3% in the group of patients with prior abdominal surgical scars. No significant difference in fractional ablation between the two groups was observed (p > 0.05). The rate of skin burn in the group of patients with prior abdominal surgical scars was significantly higher than that in the group without abdominal scars (2.5% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.05), but it is still acceptable. CONCLUSION: The prior abdominal surgical scars have no significant influence on the effectiveness of HIFU treatment for adenomyosis. The risk of skin burn is higher in patients with abdominal scars than without, but the incidence rate is still acceptable.

Ultrasound guided high intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation for uterine fibroids: Do we need the microbubbles?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) on ultrasound guided high intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation of uterine fibroids. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (37 fibroids) were randomly assigned to two groups: group A (17 patients, 20 fibroids) in which CEUS was used before, during and after HIFU treatment, and group B (16 patients, 17 fibroids) in which CEUS was not administered at all. Follow-up including contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a clinical questionnaire was performed, and technical success, ablation efficacy, volume reduction and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Technical success was 100% in both groups. CEUS revealed residual enhancement in 40% of the patients in group A and the treatment was continued until the completion of ablation. MRI at 1 month after treatment revealed significant difference in the relative fibroid volume reduction rate between the two groups: 16.1% in group A versus 4.8%, in group B (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant relative volume reduction rate for the results at 3, 6 and 12 months and no significant changes in the quality of life results or the complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS was safe and effective in enhancing US guidance during HIFU ablation of uterine fibroids. Moreover, the use of CEUS during HIFU sonication increased the ablation efficacy, leading to a more relevant fibroid volume reduction at 1 and 3 months. This gap disappeared after 6 months, when there were no differences between the two groups of patients at MRI. However, in our experience, USgHIFU represented a very effective method for the treatment of uterine fibroids, and the use of CEUS during HIFU procedure reduced the treatment time and treatment repetitions for incomplete fibroid ablation.

Biopsy confirmation of metastatic sites in breast cancer patients: clinical impact and future perspectives.

Determination of hormone receptor (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in the primary tumor is clinically relevant to define breast cancer subtypes, clinical outcome,and the choice of therapy. Retrospective and prospective studies suggest that there is substantial discordance in receptor status between primary and recurrent breast cancer. Despite this evidence and current recommendations,the acquisition of tissue from metastatic deposits is not routine practice. As a consequence, therapeutic decisions for treatment in the metastatic setting are based on the features of the primary tumor. Reasons for this attitude include the invasiveness of the procedure and the unreliable outcome of biopsy, in particular for biopsies of lesions at complex visceral sites. Improvements in interventional radiology techniques mean that most metastatic sites are now accessible by minimally invasive methods, including surgery. In our opinion, since biopsies are diagnostic and changes in biological features between the primary and secondary tumors can occur, the routine biopsy of metastatic disease needs to be performed. In this review, we discuss the rationale for biopsy of suspected breast cancer metastases, review issues and caveats surrounding discordance of biomarker status between primary and metastatic tumors, and provide insights for deciding when to perform biopsy of suspected metastases and which one (s) to biopsy. We also speculate on the future translational implications for biopsy of suspected metastatic lesions in the context of clinical trials and the establishment of bio-banks of biopsy material taken from metastatic sites. We believe that such bio-banks will be important for exploring mechanisms of metastasis. In the future,advances in targeted therapy will depend on the availability of metastatic tissue.

Cost effectiveness of different central venous approaches for port placement and use in adult oncology patients: evidence from a randomized three-arm trial.

BACKGROUND: No randomized trials have so far investigated the cost effectiveness of different methods for implantation and use of central venous ports in oncology patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, 403 patients eligible for receiving intravenous chemotherapy for solid tumours were randomly assigned to implantation of a single type of port, either through a percutaneous landmark access to the internal jugular vein, an ultrasound (US)-guided access to the subclavian vein, or a surgical cut-down access through the cephalic vein at the deltoid-pectoralis groove. Insertion and maintenance costs were estimated by obtaining the charges for an average implant and use, while the costs of the management of complications were analytically assessed. The total cost was defined as the purchase cost plus the insertion cost plus the maintenance cost plus the cost of treatment of the complications, if any. RESULTS: A total of 401 patients were evaluable-132 with the internal jugular vein, 136 with the subclavian vein and 133 with the cephalic vein access. No differences were found for the rate of early complications. The US-guided subclavian insertion site had significantly lower failures. Infections occurred in 1, 3, and 3 patients (internal jugular, subclavian, and cephalic access, respectively; p = 0.464), whereas venous thrombosis was observed in 15, 8, and 11 patients, respectively (p = 0.272). Mean cost for purchase, implantation, diagnosis and treatment of complications in each patient was 2,167.85 for subclavian US-guided, 2,335.87 for cephalic, and 2,384.10 for internal jugular access, respectively (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: US real-time guidance to the subclavian vein resulted in the most cost-effective method of central venous port placement and use.

Liquid nitrogen-based cryoablation: complication rates for lung, bone, and soft tissue tumors cryoablation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the complication rate during and 24 hours after cryoablation in lung, bone, and soft tissue tumors. METHODS: We reviewed complications in a total of 85 consecutive patients who underwent cryoablation using a liquid nitrogen-based system in various lesions between April 2017 and October 2022. There were no liver and renal lesions. Complications were categorized using the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were treated for 96 lesions in the bone (36.4%; 35 of 96), lung (18.8%; 18 of 96), and soft tissue (44.8%; 43 of 96). The primary technical success rate was 97.7% (83 of 85). The total grade 2 and 1 complication rates were 5.2% (5/96) and 20.8% (20/96), respectively. Two patients had asymptomatic pulmonary embolisms incidentally noted at the 24-hour follow-up computed tomography (grade 2). The most frequent complications were simple and hemorrhagic pleural effusions (18.7%; 18 of 96). Lung procedures had the highest complication rate, where 13 patients (72.2%; 13 of 18) reported complications, including 2 cases of symptomatic hydropneumothorax requiring drainage (grade 2) and an additional 2 days of hospital stay. Eight patients (24.2%; 8 of 33) with bone lesions and 4 (9.3%; 4 of 43) with soft tissue lesions experienced complications. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation using a liquid nitrogen-based system is safe, with only minor complications observed. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study provides data on the safety of liquid nitrogen-based percutaneous cryoablation in tumors located in lung, in bones and in soft tissues. Despite using larger diameter cryoprobes than those typically reported with argon-based system, our experience shows that complications are mostly low and comparable in frequency and severity.

Bronchopleural Fistula after Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: How to Manage This Life-Threatening Complication Using Both Old and Innovative Solutions.

BACKGROUNDS: Our goal is to evaluate the correct management of broncho-pleural fistula (BPF) after lobectomy for lung cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our 25-years' experience and reported our strategies and our diagnostic algorithm for the management of post-lobectomy broncho-pleural fistula. RESULTS: Five thousand one hundred and fifty (5150) patients underwent lobectomy for lung cancer in the period between 1998 and 2023. A total of 44 (0.85%) out of 5150 developed post-operative BPF. In 11 cases, BPF was solved by non-invasive treatment. In nine cases, direct surgical repair of the bronchial stump allowed BPF resolution. In 14 cases, a completion intervention was performed. In six cases, we performed open window thoracostomy (OWT) after lobectomy; in two cases, the BPF was closed by percutaneous injection of an n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue mixture. In two cases, no surgical procedure was performed because of the clinical status of the patient at the time of fistula developing. Thirty-day and ninety-day mortality from fistula onset was, respectively, 18.2% (eight patients) and 22.7% (ten patients). Thirty-day and ninety-day mortality after completion pneumonectomy (12 patients) was, respectively, 8.3% (one patient) and 16.6% (two patients). CONCLUSIONS: The correct management of BPF depends on various factors: timing of onset, size of the fistula, anatomic localization, and the general condition of the patient. In the case of failure of various initial therapeutic approaches, completion intervention or OWT could be considered.

Local Tumour Control Following Microwave Ablation: Protocol for the Prospective Observational CIEMAR Study.

PURPOSE: Microwave ablation (MWA) is a treatment modality for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). While potentially curative, more information is needed on factors that contribute to long-term local tumour control. The prospective multicentre observational study CIRSE Emprint Microwave Ablation Registry aims to prospectively collect real-world technical data and clinical outcomes on patients treated with MWA in CRLM. METHODS: Eligible patients are adults with up to 9 local treatment naïve CRLM of ≤ 3 cm completely treatable with either MWA alone or MWA with resection and/or radiotherapy within 8 weeks. Data are collected, at baseline, every 3 months until 12 months, and thereafter every 6 months until the end of the study. The primary outcome measure is local tumour control. Secondary outcome measures are overall survival, (hepatic-) disease-free survival, time-to-progression untreatable by ablation, systemic therapy vacation, safety, and quality of life. Covariates related to the primary outcome measure will be assessed using a stratified log-rank test and an univariable Cox proportional hazard regression. A sample size of 500 patients with 750 lesions produces a two-sided 95% confidence interval with a precision equal to 0.057. RESULTS: Between September 2019 and December 2022, 500 patients have been enrolled with at least 976 treated tumours. CONCLUSION: The prospective observational CIEMAR study will provide valuable insights into the real-world use of MWA, helping in the future patient selection and clarifying factors that may contribute to long-term local tumour control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03775980.

Thermal Ablation for Small Renal Masses: Identifying Anthropometric Factors for Predicting Perioperative and Oncological Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To test for specific anthropometric parameters to predict perioperative outcomes after thermal ablation (TA) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective single center (2008-2022) analysis of 538 T1a-b RCC patients treated with TA. We tested for specific anthropometric parameters, namely skin to tumor distance (STTD), perirenal fat thickness (PFT), median psoas muscle axial area (PMAA) and median paravertebral muscle axial area (PVMAA), to predict TRIFECTA achievement: (1) absence of CLAVIEN-DINDO≥ 3 complications; (2) complete ablation; (3) absence of ≥ 30% decrease in eGFR. Univariable (ULRM) and multivariable logistic regression models (MLRM) were used for testing TRIFECTA achievement. RESULTS: Overall, 103 patients (19%) did not achieve TRIFECTA. Of all anthropometric factors, only lower PMAA was associated with no TRIFECTA achievement (10 vs. 11 cm2, P = .02). However, ULRMs and MLRMs did not confirmed the aforementioned association. We than tested for the 3 specific TRIFECTA items. In separate ULRM and MLRM predicting incomplete ablation, both continuously coded STTD (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.02; CI: 1.01-1.03; P = .02) and STTD strata (STTD > 10 cm; OR: 2.1; CI: 1.1-4.1; P = .03) achieved independent predictor status. Conversely, in separate ULRM and MLRM predicting CLAVIEN-DINDO ≥3 complications, both continuously coded PFT (OR: 1.04; CI: 1.01-1.07; P = .01) and PFT strata (PFT ≥ 14 mm; OR: 3.3; CI: 1.6-10.2; P = .003) achieved independent predictor status. Last, none of the anthropometric parameters were associated with eGFR decrease ≥ 30%. CONCLUSION: None of the tested anthropometric parameters predicted TRIFECTA achievement. However, when the 3 specific TRIFECTA items were tested, STTD and PFT were associated with, respectively, incomplete ablation and CLAVIEN-DINDO ≥ 3 complications.

The Paradox of Modern Technology in Standardizing Thermal Liver Ablation: Fostering Uniformity or Diversity?

PURPOSE: Currently, significant medical practice variation exists in thermal ablation (TA) of malignant liver tumors with associated differences in outcomes. The IMaging and Advanced Guidance for workflow optimization in Interventional Oncology (IMAGIO) consortium aims to integrate interventional oncology into the standard clinical pathway for cancer treatment in Europe by 2030, by development of a standardized low-complex-high-precision workflow for TA of malignant liver tumors. This study was conducted at the start of the IMAGIO project with the aim to explore the current state and future role of modern technology in TA of malignant liver tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted followed by an expert focus group discussion with core members and collaborating partners of the consortium. RESULTS: Of the 13 participants, 10 respondents filled in the questionnaire. During the focus group discussion, there was consensus on the need for international standardization in TA and several aspects of the procedure, such as planning based on cross-sectional images, the adoption of different techniques for needle placement and the importance of needle position- and post-ablative margin confirmation scans. Yet, also considerable heterogeneity was reported in the adoption of modern technology, particularly in navigational systems and computer-assisted margin assessment. CONCLUSION: This study mirrored the current diversity in workflow of thermal liver ablation. To obtain comparable outcomes worldwide, standardization is needed. While advancements in tools and software hold the potential to homogenize outcome measurement and minimize operator-dependent variability, the rapid increase in availability also contributes to enhanced workflow variation.

Interventional oncology in breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and one of the most important causes of death in women. Surgery is the standard therapy for breast cancer and in the last decades evolved towards a more conservative approach, with lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy, the most common option. Unfortunately, up to 40% of women affected by BC will develop metastases and will receive systemic therapy, which improves survival and quality of life. Interventional oncology (IO), thanks to the improvement in technology and clinical experience, is gaining an important role in the field of breast cancer, both in treating the primary tumour and also in metastasis in well-selected cases. Percutaneous thermal ablation and more recently cryoablation are reported to achieve promising results in the radical treatment of small breast cancer, with optimal cosmetic outcome and a very high safety profile. Percutaneous ablation as well as intra-arterial therapies, such as chemoembolization and radioembolization, might also be indicated in metastatic BC patients. In advanced stage disease, breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) represent the main factor affecting the overall survival. Metastatic breast disease is a systemic disease, with tumour deposits potentially spread into different organs and tissues for which systemic therapy is the standard approach. Local therapies for liver metastases might have an important role in improving survival and quality of life in well-selected patients. Clinical and technical indications with their limitations, results and potential complications in local IO treatment for BCLM, will be also described.