Ablation for paediatric solid tumours: current evidence from a scoping review

Ablation therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative for selected paediatric solid tumour lesions but published outcomes are inconsistently reported. We Performed a scoping review of the literature from 2000 to 2024, including studies reporting ablation in children aged under 18 years with solid tumours. Data on tumour type, anatomical site, ablation modality, treatment indication, reported oncological outcomes, recurrence, and complications were extracted. Thirty-three studies reported 202 children with 304 treated lesions across various anatomical locations. Radiofrequency ablation was the most frequently reported technique, followed by microwave ablation. The liver and lung were the commonest sites treated, and hepatoblastoma and osteosarcoma were the most frequently reported tumour types. Reported local tumour control was generally favourable in selected patients, although definitions of response and recurrence vary substantially between studies. Major complications were uncommon. Ablation appears technically feasible and generally safe in selected children with solid tumours, but the available evidence is limited by small cohorts, retrospective design and marked heterogeneity in case mix and outcome reporting. Prospective multicentre studies with standardised outcome definitions are needed to better define indications, assess safety and clarify how ablation compares with surgical resection in selected patients.