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Cryotherapy for neuroendocrine liver metastases
J K Seifert1, P J Cozzi, D L Morris
1University Department of Surgery, University of New South Wales, St. George Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Seminars in Surgical Oncology
|March 11, 1998
Summary
Hepatic cryotherapy effectively treats neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastases, alleviating hormonal excess symptoms and improving patient survival. This minimally invasive procedure offers a promising option for managing these challenging conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can metastasize to the liver, often causing debilitating hormonal excess syndromes.
- While prognosis can be good, symptom management is crucial for patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hepatic cryotherapy for patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- To assess the impact of cryotherapy on hormonal excess symptoms and tumor marker levels.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors underwent hepatic cryotherapy.
- Preoperative and postoperative assessment included symptom evaluation and hormonal tumor marker levels.
Main Results:
- Twelve out of thirteen patients survived with a median follow-up of 13.5 months.
- Symptomatic patients experienced significant symptom relief, and elevated tumor markers decreased post-procedure.
- Complications included bleeding, acute renal failure, and pulmonary embolism, but no mortality was observed.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic cryotherapy is a viable treatment option for liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors.
- The procedure effectively alleviates hormonal excess symptoms and may positively influence survival.
- Cryotherapy demonstrates a favorable risk-benefit profile for selected patients.