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MR imaging-guided percutaneous cryotherapy for lung tumors: initial experience
Shangang Liu1, Ruimei Ren1, Ming Liu2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China.
Purpose:
To evaluate prospectively the initial clinical experience of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided percutaneous cryotherapy of lung tumors.
Materials And Methods:
MR imaging-guided percutaneous cryotherapy was performed in 21 patients with biopsy-proven lung tumors (12 men, 9 women; age range, 39-79 y). Follow-up consisted of contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) scan performed at 3-month intervals to assess tumor control; CT scanning was carried out for 12 months or until death.
Results:
Cryotherapy procedures were successfully completed in all 21 patients. Pneumothorax occurred in 7 (33.3%) of 21 patients. Chest tube placement was required in one (4.8%) case. Hemoptysis was exhibited by 11 (52.4%) patients, and pleural effusion occurred in 6 (28.6%) patients. Other complications were observed in 14 (66.7%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 10.5 months (range, 9-12 mo) in patients who died. At month 12 of follow-up, 7 (33.3%) patients had a complete response to therapy, and 10 (47.6%) patients showed a partial response. In addition, two patients had stable disease, and two patients developed progressive disease; one patient developed a tumor in the liver, and the other developed a tumor in the brain. The 1-year local control rate was 81%, and 1-year survival rate was 90.5%.
Conclusions:
MR imaging-guided percutaneous cryotherapy appears feasible, effective, and minimally invasive for lung tumors.
