The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

June 2019

Percutaneous cryoablation for the treatment of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors

Author Information

Redifer Tremblay K(1), Lea WB(1), Neilson JC(2), King DM(2), Tutton SM(3).

(1)Dept of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (2)Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (3)Dept of Radiology, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Palliative Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Publication

J Surg Oncol

Summary

A retrospective, single-institution review identified 23 patients (ages 16-77) with extra-abdominal desmoid tumors who received CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation as either a first-line (61%) or salvage (39%) treatment in 30 sessions between 2014 and 2018. Median maximal lesion diameter was 69?mm (11-209). Intent was curative in 52% and palliative in 48%. Contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging was obtained before and after treatment in addition to routine clinical follow-up. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median follow-up was 15.4 months (3.5-43.4). Symptomatic improvement was demonstrated in 89% of patients. At 12 months, the average change in viable volume was ?-80% (range -100% to ?+?10%) and response by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) was CR 36%, PR 36%, and SD 28%. No rapid postablation growth or track seeding was observed. Four patients underwent repeat cryoablation for either residual or recurrent disease. Two patients sustained a major procedural complication consisting of significant neuropraxia. Cryoablation for desmoid tumors demonstrates a high degree of symptom improvement and local tumor control on early follow-up imaging with relatively low morbidity.

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