Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Emerging Indications for Interventional Oncology: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Image-Guided Thermal Ablation
David-Dimitris Chlorogiannis1, Georgios Charalampopoulos2, Dimitra Kontopyrgou3
1Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 St Francis Str, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
Introduction:
Lymphatic node metastatic disease encompasses a distinct oncological entity which has been associated with poor prognosis. Image-guided thermal ablation has recently been proposed as a safe and alternative treatment for these lesions. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the pooled safety and efficacy of thermal ablation techniques for the treatment of oligometastatic non-cervical lymph nodal disease.
Recent Findings:
A systematic search of the three major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) from inception to 30 December 2023 was conducted according to the PRISMA Guidelines. Observational studies reporting technical success, complications and oncologic outcomes were included. Meta- analysis was performed by estimating the pooled incidence rates and risk ratios by fitting random-effect models. Overall, 8 studies were included, comprising of 225 patients and 305 ablated LNMs and a median follow-up of 12 months. The combined data analysis showed that technical success after thermal ablation was 98% (CI: 95%-99%), major complication rate was 1% (CI: 95%-99%), pooled overall response rate was 72% (CI: 54%-87%), local tumor progression rate was 18% (CI: 8%-33%) and disease-free survival rate was 68% (CI: 51%-81%). No difference between radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation was found for every outcome during subgroup analysis. Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation (with either radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation) is safe and effective for the treatment of oligometastatic LMN disease, however further studies to confirm these findings are still needed.
Insights
Image-guided thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment for oligometastatic lymph node metastatic disease. This minimally invasive approach shows high technical success and low complication rates, offering a promising option for patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Lymphatic node metastatic disease is linked to poor prognosis.
- Image-guided thermal ablation is an emerging treatment for these lesions.
- Oligometastatic non-cervical lymph nodal disease requires effective therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation (radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation) is safe and effective for oligometastatic LMN disease.
- No significant difference observed between radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and establish long-term outcomes.
