Radiofrequency ablation for spinal osteoid osteoma: A systematic review of safety and treatment outcomes

AimWe sought to systematically assess and summarize the available literature on the clinical outcomes and complications following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for painful spinal osteoid osteoma (OO).MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies with available data on safety and clinical outcomes following RFA for spinal OO were included.ResultsIn the 14 included studies (11 retrospective; 3 prospective), 354 patients underwent RFA for spinal OO. The mean ages ranged from 16.4 to 28 years (Females = 31.3%). Lesion diameters ranged between 3 and 20 mm and were frequently seen in the posterior elements in 211/331 (64%) patients. The mean distance between OO lesions and neural elements ranged between 1.7 and 7.4 mm. The estimated pain reduction on the numerical rating scale was 6.85/10 (95% confidence intervals [95%CI] 4.67–9.04) at a 12–24-month follow-up; and 7.29/10 (95% CI 6.67–7.91) at a >24-month follow-up (range 24–55 months). Protective measures (e.g., epidural air insufflation or neuroprotective sterile water infusion) were used in 43/354 (12.1%) patients. Local tumor progression was seen in 23/354 (6.5%) patients who were then successfully re-treated with RFA or open surgical resection. Grade I-II complications such as temporary limb paresthesia and wound dehiscence were reported in 4/354 (1.1%) patients. No Grade III-V complications were reported.ConclusionRFA demonstrated safety and clinical efficacy in most patients harboring painful spinal OO lesions. However, further prospective studies evaluating these outcomes are warranted.     

Biliary cooling during radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours close to central biliary tree: A systematic review and pooled analysis

IntroductionBiliary cooling during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumour has been proposed as a protective measure for RFA-related biliary complications in cases whereby the RFA site is close to central biliary tree. This systematic review aims to assess the effect of biliary cooling during RFA on: 1) the development of biliary complications and 2) tumour recurrence rates at ablation site.MethodologyA systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed/EMBASE databases using PRISMA methodology (2000-2019). The initial search yielded 75 reports which were potentially suitable for inclusion. Studies reporting at least one outcome of interest were considered to be suitable for inclusion. Conference abstracts, case reports and animal studies were excluded. Data was retrieved from each study on patient demographics, tumour characteristics, method of cooling, biliary complications, local tumour recurrence and duration of follow-up.ResultsThe final number of studies which met the inclusion criteria was 7, involving 100 patients. There were no randomized controlled trials identified after the literature search. The mean age of the patients included was 65 years. Biliary cooling was performed with the use of a nasobiliary tube in 4 out of 7 studies, via a choledochal incision in 2 out of 7 studies and through the cystic duct in a single study. The overall biliary stricture rate was 2% and the overall tumour recurrence rate at RFA treated site was 14.5%.ConclusionBiliary complications appear to be low after biliary cooling during RFA close to central biliary tree. More evidence is required to assess the tumour recurrence rates.     

Radiofrequency ablation of colorectal liver metastases

RFA of liver metastases is promising despite variable results. The differences in reported success rates may be explained by the difference in tumour types/vascularity/aggressiveness, patient selection, operator's expertise and the equipment used. Current limits relate to the small volume of consistent ablation that can be achieved with current equipment. Further technical refinements yielding more reliable ablation with larger surgical margin may reduce local recurrence rate. Although numerous studies have shown effective treatment responses after RFA, the precise impact of RFA on survival of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases remains unclear. Resection remains the gold standard for patients with liver metastases. In patients with limited number of unresectable lesions and in cases, which are unresectable on the basis of lesional number and localization, RFA is an attractive approach to obtain tumour clearance. Randomised control trials evaluating the value of combined adjuvant systemic chemotherapy are still urgently needed.     

Radiofrequency ablation of malignant liver tumors

The majority of patients with primary or metastatic hepatic tumors are not candidates for resection because of tumor size, location near major intrahepatic blood vessels precluding a margin-negative resection, multifocality, or inadequate hepatic function related to coexistent cirrhosis. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an evolving technology being used to treat patients with unresectable primary and metastatic hepatic cancers. RFA produces coagulative necrosis of tumor through local tissue heating. Liver tumors are treated percutaneously, laparoscopically, or during laparotomy using ultrasonography to identify tumors and guide placement of the RFA needle electrode. For tumors smaller than 2.0 cm in diameter, one or two deployments of the monopolar multiple array needle electrode are sufficient to produce complete coagulative necrosis of the tumor. However, with increasing size of the tumor, there is a concomitant increase in the number of deployments of the needle electrode and the overall time necessary to produce complete coagulative necrosis of the tumor. In general, RFA is a safe, well-tolerated, effective treatment for unresectable hepatic malignancies less than 6.0 cm in diameter. Effective treatment of larger tumors awaits the development of more powerful, larger array monopolar and bipolar RFA technologies.     

Radiofrequency ablation for malignant liver tumor

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been widely practiced to treat unresectable malignant liver tumors. It has the merits of localized tumor ablation and preservation of maximal normal liver parenchyma. In recent years, there has been a tremendous expansion in the application of RFA for patients with malignant liver tumors. However, the therapeutic effect of this local ablation treatment needs to be balanced against its risks and possible local failure. This review focuses on the current status of RFA for malignant liver tumors, with special attention to the indication, approaches, complications, survival benefits, combination therapies, and comparison with other treatment modalities. Although the results of most clinical studies of RFA seem favorable, the associated risks and tumor recurrence should not be underestimated. Careful patient selection, meticulous RFA techniques, and prompt treatment of residual and recurrent tumors are necessary to ensure a better outcome after RFA. Until recently, there has been no strong evidence showing that RFA can replace any other treatment modalities in the management of liver tumors. Nonetheless, more convincing evidence by randomized trials is required for the establishment of a treatment protocol of RFA for patients with malignant liver tumors.     

Radiofrequency ablation combined with percutaneous ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) are important treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are not eligible for resection and liver transplantation. Therefore, it is important to establish comparisons between RFA, PEI and the two therapies in combination.

Aims: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combined RFA-PEI versus monotherapy with either RFA or PEI for HCC to provide references for clinical practice and further research.

Methods: We searched all eligible studies published before September 2015 in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Chinese databases, such as CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang and also retrieved papers from other sources. All relevant controlled trials were collected. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan version 5.3 software (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark).

Results: Thirteen trials with 1621 patients were identified. Compared with PEI, RFA was associated with significant improvement in overall survival (OS) rate at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, cancer-free survival (CFS) rate at 1, 2 and 3 years and complete tumour necrosis. RFA was associated with a significant reduction in the local recurrence rate at 1, 2 and 3 years. However, RFA was also associated with a higher total risk of complications. Compared with RFA alone, combined RFA-PEI was associated with a significant improvement in the OS rate at 1.5, 2 and 3 years and a significant reduction in the local recurrence rate. However, combined RFA-PEI was also associated with a higher risk of fever.

Conclusion: The combination of RFA and PEI appears to be the optimal treatment strategy when considering combined RFA-PEI or either RFA or PEI alone. Combined RFA-PEI significantly improves OS and reduces the risk of local recurrence without increasing major complications. Further large-scale studies are needed to assess economic outcomes and quality of life.     

Radiofrequency ablation of colorectal carcinoma liver metastases

Hepatic metastases affect many patients with colorectal cancer. Resection remains the first choice for treatment, but many patients do not have disease amenable to resection or are physically unable to undergo an operation. Radiofrequency ablation is a viable option for patients who cannot undergo resection. Effective destruction of tumors can be achieved with minimal complications or risk of death. Emerging technologies may complement or supplant radiofrequency ablation as a means of thermal tumor destruction.     

肝肿瘤的射频热能消融术

对于不能手术切除的原发或继发肝脏恶性肿瘤,目前常用的介入治疗方法有肝动脉栓塞化疗、经皮无水酒精注射、微波、激光、冷冻等.现介绍目前新发展起来的一种介入治疗方法--经皮经肝射频热能消融术(RFTA).     

Radiofrequency ablation of liver metastasis from breast cancer

As the hepatic metastasis from breast cancer has a tendency to have an extrahepatic lesion, systemic therapy therefore becomes acclimatization. However, local therapy is regarded as one of the choices if there is no extrahepatic lesion. We present three cases of liver metastasis from the breast treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Case 1: A 65-year-old woman was treated by left mastectomy in 1997. Radiation exposure was performed for lung metastasis, and a weekly paclitaxel therapy was administered in 2001. We performed RFA percutaneously for liver metastasis of 2.8 cm in 2002. The aggravation spread to the lung lesion and she died after RFA within one year. The liver metastasis finally enlarged to 4 cm in size. Case 2: A 36-year-old woman was treated by left mastectomy (Stage IIIa), and was followed by chemotherapy in 2000. We performed RFA for metastasis of 2 cm of liver (S7) percutaneously in 2001, and didn't recognize a recurrence to date for 3 years and 8 months. Case 3: A 43-year-old woman was treated by left mastectomy (Stage IIIa), and followed by chemotherapy in 2003. We performed RFA for a liver metastasis of 3.5 x 4 cm under laparotomy in 2004. She has been disease free for 15 months.     

Radiofrequency ablation of small breast tumours: Evaluation of a novel bipolar cool-tip application

Background

Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is promising for the local treatment of breast cancer, burns are a frequent complication. The safety and efficacy of a new technique with a bipolar RFA electrode was evaluated.

Methods

Dosimetry was assessed ex vivo in bovine mammary tissue, applying power settings of 5–15 W with 10–20 min exposure and 3.0–12.0 kJ to a 20-mm active length bipolar internally cooled needle-electrode. Subsequently, in 15 women with invasive breast carcinoma ≤2.0 cm diameter ultrasound-guided RFA was performed followed by immediate resection.

Results

An ablation zone of 2.5 cm was reached in the ex vivo experiments at 15 W at 9.0 kJ administered energy. Histopathology revealed complete cell death in 10 of 13 patients (77%); in 3 patients partial ablation was due to inaccurate probe positioning. In 1 patient a pneumothorax was caused by the probe placement, treated conservatively. No burns occurred.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided RFA with a bipolar needle-electrode appears to be a safe local treatment technique for invasive breast cancer up to 2 cm. Ways to improve placement of the probe and direct monitoring of the ablation-effect should be the aim of further research.     

Radiofrequency ablation for liver metastasis from gastric cancer

Aims

Several studies have reported the benefit of hepatic resection for metastatic tumor from gastric cancer. However, the value of treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has not been clearly defined.

Methods

Between Jan 2002 and Dec 2007, 21 patients with primary gastric cancer were diagnosed with synchronous or metachronous liver metastases. All patients were treated with RFA, and the complication, survival, and recurrence rates were assessed.

Results

The postoperative complication rate was 5% (1/21), with no mortality. The median actuarial survival time was 14 months. The 1-yr, 2-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr survival rates after RFA were 70%, 11%, 5%, and 3%, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 19 months, local recurrence at the RFA site was 19% (4/21). Solitary metastasis had significantly longer survival than multiple lesions after RFA (22 vs 10 months, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

RFA provides a minimally invasive and safe modality of treatment patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer. Patients with solitary liver lesion were considered appropriate candidates for RFA.     

Radiofrequency ablation for breast cancer: A review of the literature

Introduction

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) provides an effective technique for minimally invasive tissue destruction. A novel application is the use for treatment of small breast carcinoma.

Methods

A broad search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane library. Results of the relevant articles were analysed.

Results

The analysed studies were all feasibility or pilot studies using different patient and tumour characteristics and ablation settings. Despite many methodological differences, high percentages of complete tumour ablation varying between 80% and 100% were reported.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency ablation is a promising new tool for minimally invasive ablation of small carcinomas of the breast. A large randomized control study is required to assess the long-term advantages of RFA compared to the current breast conserving therapies.     

Radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases

We evaluated the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy for 29 patients with 36 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules and 16 patients with 38 metastatic hepatic nodules. The mean tumor size was 26.4 mm. The primary lesions of patients with metastatic liver tumors were 9 colon cancer, 2 rectal cancer, 2 breast cancer, 2 gastric cancer, and 1 esophageal cancer. All nodules were treated using a Cool-tip RFA system. US-guided RFA was performed for 44 nodules, CT-guided RFA for 24 nodules, and intra-operative US-guided RFA for 6 nodules. In a mean observation period of 13.5 months, the mean complete ablation rate and the mean distant recurrence rate were 83.3% and 30.6% for HCC and 65.8% and 31.6% for metastatic nodules, respectively. The mean complete ablation rate of HCC was significantly higher than that of metastatic nodules (p < 0.05). The mean complete ablation rates of both HCC and metastatic hepatic nodules 3 cm or smaller in diameter were significantly higher than those of both tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter (p < 0.05). The mean distant recurrence rate of HCC in patients who have multiple nodules was 62.5% and it was significantly higher than that in patients who have a single nodule (28.6%) (p < 0.05). The mean complete ablation rate of metastatic nodules by intra-operative US guided RFA was 100% and it was statistically higher than that by other image guided RFA (p < 0.05).     

结肠直肠癌肝转移的射频消融治疗

目的:评价结直肠癌肝转移(colorectal cancer liver metastases,CRLM)射频消融(radiofrequency ablation,RFA)治疗的可行性.方法:2003年12月至2008年11月67例结直肠癌肝转移患者在西安交通大学医学院第一附属医院接受了RFA治疗.根据实施RFA治疗的方法将患者分成3组:经皮穿刺RFA(第1组)、开腹RFA(第2组)或经皮RFA与手术相结合的方法(第3组).结果:RFA后90天,3组的死亡率均为零.一半的患者(34/67)出现手术后轻度发热.1/4的患者(17/67)有右肩部与右季肋部疼痛或不适.1例并发结肠瘘.随访显示1年、3年和5年生存率分别是100％、34.3％和4.5％.结论:对CRLM的患者,RFA或结合肝切除手术是相对微创、安全可行的方法,而且致死率低.     

Radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with colorectal carcinoma will develop liver metastases. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been utilized in metastatic CRC to help improve the survival gap between resectable and unresectable tumor. METHODS: The current use of RFA in selected patient populations is reviewed. RESULTS: RFA provides a survival benefit in patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from CRC compared with chemotherapy alone. It offers effective local tumor destruction in appropriately selected lesions and minimizes the morbidity and mortality of an open resection. Common complications are abdominal bleeding (1.6%), abdominal infection (1.1%), and injury to the biliary tree (1.0%). Mortality ranges from 0% to 0.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Trials are underway to compare chemotherapy plus local ablation to chemotherapy alone. RFA is a tool that should be utilized by experienced individuals to achieve optimal oncologic outcomes.