Safety and efficacy of cryoablation of soft-tissue tumours: a systematic review

To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation (CA) of soft-tissue tumours [desmoid tumours (DTs), vascular malformations (VMs), and abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE)].

This systematic review of studies published before January 2024 encompassed a detailed analysis of CA techniques and technical aspects for the treatment of soft-tissue tumours. Data concerning CA efficacy, complication rates, and other relevant metrics were extracted and included for analysis.

The analysis included 27 studies totalling 554 CA procedures. For DT (13 studies, 393 sessions), CA showed an average pain reduction of 79 ± 17% (range: 57-100) and a lesion volume decrease of 71.5 ± 9.8% (range: 44-97). VM (4 studies, 58 sessions) had a 100% technical success rate and an average pain reduction of 72 ± 25% (range: 63-85). The average pain reduction for AWE (6 studies, 103 sessions) was 82 ± 13% (range: 62-100). Overall, the complication rate for CA was low, with minor adverse events (AEs) in about 20% of patients and major events in less than 5% of patients.

Showing substantial efficacy in pain reduction and lesion volume decrease, as well as low incidence of severe AE, CA presents as a highly effective and safe alternative for the treatment of soft-tissue tumours.

CA is effective and safe in treating soft-tissue tumours, particularly DT, VM, and AWE.