Microwave ablation assisted by three-dimensional visualization system as local therapy for relapsed hepatoblastoma: a...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary liver tumor in children.
• Relapsed or recurrent HB presents significant treatment challenges.
• Effective local therapies are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric HB patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) for treating relapsed hepatoblastoma in children.
• To assess the efficacy of MWA using a three-dimensional (3D) visualization system in pediatric patients with recurrent HB.
• To analyze treatment outcomes, including tumor response, survival, and complications.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving five pediatric patients with relapsed HB.
• Treatment of 12 liver tumors using MWA guided by a 3D visualization system.
• Analysis of follow-up data including local tumor control, new tumor formation, survival rates, and complications.

Main Results:

• Complete tumor ablation was achieved in all treated lesions during a single session.
• The mean ablation time per tumor was 9.7 minutes.
• No local tumor progression or new intrahepatic tumors were observed during follow-up (9-39 months).
• All patients remained alive with a median progression-free survival of 9 months and a median overall survival of 12 months.
• The only observed complication was transient fever.

Conclusions:

• Microwave ablation assisted by a 3D visualization system is a safe and feasible local treatment option for recurrent hepatoblastoma in pediatric patients.
• This technique offers a promising minimally invasive approach for managing relapsed HB, leading to good local tumor control and favorable survival.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings and establish MWA as a standard treatment modality.