Thermoablation of Bone Tumors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Interventional Radiology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Bone tumors, both benign and malignant, present diverse treatment challenges.
• Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored for improved patient outcomes.
• Thermal ablation offers a targeted approach to tumor destruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the significance of percutaneous thermal ablation in treating bone tumors.
• To detail available ablation techniques, including their advantages and disadvantages.
• To discuss curative and palliative indications for thermal ablation in bone tumor management.

Main Methods:

• Review of percutaneous thermal ablation techniques: radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), laser ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and cryoablation.
• Discussion of clinical applications for benign and malignant bone tumors.
• Analysis of specific indications, such as osteoid osteoma and painful bone metastases.

Main Results:

• Each thermoablative technique possesses unique benefits and drawbacks.
• RFA is the established treatment for osteoid osteoma.
• MWA and MR-guided HIFU are effective for palliative treatment of painful bone metastases, potentially combined with cementoplasty.

Conclusions:

• Various thermal ablation modalities offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for bone tumor treatment.
• Radiofrequency ablation is the evidence-based choice for osteoid osteoma.
• Laser ablation suits small lesions, cryoablation offers analgesia, and MWA/HIFU aid in palliative care for metastases.