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Published on: March 7, 2011
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Percutaneous Cryoablation for Sternal Bone Metastases: A Retrospective Study.
Laura Olivieri1, Giuseppina Pacella2, Elva Vergantino1
1Unit of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|February 19, 2026
Summary
Percutaneous cryoablation offers a less invasive option for treating sternal metastases. This study found it safe and effective, significantly reducing pain and achieving local control in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Sternal metastases present unique challenges due to proximity to mediastinal structures and severe pain.
- Percutaneous cryoablation is explored as a minimally invasive palliative treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation for sternal metastases.
- To assess pain reduction and local control rates following the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 14 patients with sternal metastases (primary tumors: breast, lung, renal cell carcinoma, myxoid liposarcoma).
- Procedures performed between 2017-2025 using Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) or CT guidance with ultrasound assistance.
- Pain assessed using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS); local control evaluated via imaging.
Main Results:
- Significant pain reduction reported by 93% of patients (mean NRS decreased from 7.31 to 3.15; mean VAS from 6.64 to 3.21).
- Statistically significant pain reduction (p<0.000001) for both NRS and VAS.
- Local control achieved in both cases treated with curative intent.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous cryoablation demonstrates safety and effectiveness for palliation of painful sternal metastases.
- The technique offers a promising minimally invasive approach for managing this challenging condition.
- Further evaluation of percutaneous cryoablation for sternal metastases is warranted.
