Cryotherapy for local recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: experience in 19 patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, locally aggressive skin cancer.
• DFSP has a high rate of local recurrence (LRR) after surgical excision, approaching 40%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous cryoablation for treating local recurrence of DFSP.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen patients with recurrent DFSP underwent 39 sessions of percutaneous cryoablation between July 2004 and August 2008.
• Local recurrence rates were assessed after one, two, and three cryosurgery sessions per patient.

Main Results:

• The LRR decreased significantly with repeated cryoablation sessions: 68% after one, 54% after two, and 0% after three sessions.
• Tumor location and size did not impact the LRR.
• All patients achieved a progression-free survival exceeding 5 years.
• Minor, transient complications like fever, edema, and mild nerve injury were reported.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment for local recurrence of DFSP.
• This technique offers a promising alternative to traditional surgical management for recurrent DFSP.