Search

Purpose: Engaging in clinical service development is a prerequisite for Interventional Radiology (IR) to prosper as a full clinical discipline. The CIRSE Clinical Services in IR Task Force conducted a survey of CIRSE members worldwide to assess the current status of their clinical practice and to identify areas of practice requiring further support., Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire with 63 structured items was sent to 7,501 CIRSE members in November 2023. The survey was closed in January 2024 and a statistical data analysis was performed., Results: A total of 520 complete responses were collected. 49.6% of respondents have an IR outpatient clinic, 34.5% have a dedicated IR day-case ward and 19.8% have dedicated inpatient beds. While 62% of respondents treat patients as the primary consultant responsible for their patients' care, 40.3% of respondents currently without their own beds have admitting rights to the hospital. Clinical practice activities are itemised in the work schedule of 41.3% of respondents and 45% routinely perform ward rounds. A total of 40% feel very positive with their personal clinical practice competency., Conclusion: With half of responding IRs having primary patient access and clinical services in place, the results are encouraging; however further engagement by those who are not yet involved is required. The authors advocate a step-wise approach towards clinical services starting with ward rounds, and subsequently taking increasing responsibility for each step in the IR patient pathway., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the uptake of transradial approach (TRA) and outpatient setting for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among French interventional radiology centers., Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a 34-question survey assessing center activity, radial access, and outpatient care. The survey was developed by a working group, tested by two external experts, and distributed to active members of two French radiological societies via a web-based self-reporting questionnaire in March 2022. The survey remained open for eight weeks, with two reminder emails sent to non-responders. Only one answer per center was considered., Results: Of the 44 responding centers, 39% (17/44) performed TRA for TACE and/or TARE, with post-procedure patient comfort as main motivation. Among the 27 centers not performing TRA, 33% (9/27) reported a lack of technical experience, but all 27 intended to adopt TRA within two years. Only six centers performed TACE or TARE in an outpatient setting. Reasons limiting its implementation included TACE for HCC not being a suitable intervention (61%, 27/44) and organizational barriers (41%, 18/44). Among centers not performing outpatient TACE or TARE, 34% (13/38) said "No," 34% (13/38) said "Maybe," and 32% (12/38) said "Yes" when asked about adopting it within two years., Conclusion: French interventional radiologists have low TRA uptake for HCC treatment, but TRA adoption potential exists. Respondents were uncertain about performing TACE or TARE in an outpatient setting within a 2-year horizon., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE).)

Several publications show that superselective conventional TransArterial ChemoEmbolization (cTACE), meaning cTACE performed selectively with a microcatheter positioned as close as possible to the tumor, improves outcomes, maximizing the anti-tumoral effect and minimizing the collateral damages of the surrounding liver parenchyma. Recent recommendations coming from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) highlighted that TACE must be used in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) "selectively targetable" and "accessible to supraselective catheterization." The goal of the manuscript is to better define such population and to standardize superselective cTACE (ss-cTACE) technique. An expert panel with extensive clinical-procedural experience in TACE, have come together in a virtual meeting to generate recommendations and express their consensus. Experts recommend that anytime cTACE is proposed, it should be ss-cTACE, preferably with a 1.5-2.0 Fr microcatheter. Ideally, ss-cTACE should be proposed to patients with less than five lesions and a maximum number of two segments involved, with largest tumor smaller than 5 cm. Angio Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) should be used to detect enhancing tumors, tumor feeders and guide tumor targeting. Whole tumor volume should be covered to obtain the best response. Adding peritumoral margins is encouraged but not mandatory. The treatment should involve a water-in-oil emulsion, whose quality is assessable with the "drop test." Additional particulate embolization should be systematically performed, as per definition of cTACE procedure. Non-contrast CBCT or Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) combined with angiography has been considered the gold standard for imaging during TACE, and should be used to assess tumor coverage during the procedure. Experts convene that superselectivity decreases incidence of adverse effects and improves tolerance. Experts recommend contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) as initial imaging on first follow-up after ss-cTACE, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) if remaining tumor viability cannot be confidently assessed on CT. If no response is obtained after two ss-cTACE sessions within six months, patient must be considered unsuitable for TACE and proposed for alternative therapy. Patients are best served by multidisciplinary decision-making, and Interventional Radiologists should take an active role in patient selection, treatment allocation, and post-procedural care., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Primary Objective: Recently, selective internal radiation therapy using yttrium-90 (Y90) glass microspheres (TheraSphere™) was approved for reimbursement by health authorities in France. The PROACTIF study aims to gather data on effectiveness, patient quality of life, and safety with use of Y90 glass microspheres in real-world clinical settings in France., Inclusion Criteria: Patient with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC), and/or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who was treated with a dose of Y90 glass microspheres that has been reimbursed in France and who do not oppose use of their personal medical data., Exclusion Criteria: If data collection is opposed, treatment is reimbursed but not administered, or treatment is administered but not reimbursed., Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures include overall survival from time of Y90 glass microsphere treatment and quality of life, as assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Hepatobiliary questionnaire., Estimated Number of Patients to Be Included: This is an open study and there is no set number of patients; 115 have already been enrolled., Planned Subgroup Analyses: Analyses will be stratified by disease state (HCC, iCC, or mCRC). Subgroups to be analyzed include age group, unilobar/bilobar disease at baseline, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status at baseline, liver tumor burden at baseline, target lesion size, and standard versus multi-compartment personalized dosimetry treatment., Planned Recruitment and Observation Period: Recruitment includes patients who are prescribed and treated with a commercial vial of Y90 glass microspheres between 01 January 2019 and 31 December 2024., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04069468., (© 2021. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE).)

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective multicentric study was to compare the tumour response rates of Balloon-occluded Transarterial Chemoembolisation (B-TACE) to non-B-TACE using propensity score matching (PSM) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and to investigate the clinical benefit, such as lower rates of TACE re-intervention achieved using B-TACE., Material and Methods: The B-TACE procedures (n = 96 patients) were compared with a control group of non-B-TACE treatments (n = 434 pts), performed with conventional (cTACE) or drug-eluting microspheres TACE (DEM-TACE). Data were collected from six European centres from 2015 to 2019. Objective responses (OR) and complete response (CR) rates after the first session and the number of TACE re-interventions were evaluated using PSM (91 patients per arm)., Results: The best target OR after PSM were similar for both B-TACE and non-B-TACE (90.1% and 86.8%, p = 0.644); however, CR at 1-6 months was significantly higher for B-TACE (59.3% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.026). Patients treated with B-TACE had a significantly lower retreatment rate during the first 6 months (9.9%% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.041). Post-embolisation syndrome (PES) rates were 8.8% in non-B-TACE and 41.8% in B-TACE (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between groups regarding major adverse events., Conclusion: B-TACE is safe and effective, achieving higher CR rates than non-B-TACE. Patients undergoing B-TACE had a significantly lower retreatment rate within the first 6 months but higher PES rates., Level of Evidence Iii: Level 3, retrospective study.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous transpedicular fixation by PEEK polymer implants and cementoplasty for vertebral compression fracture (VCF)., Materials and Methods: From February 2019 to December 2019, 6 consecutive patients (3 men and 3 women; mean age 55 ± 8 years; range 40-64 years) who had percutaneous transpedicular fixation with cementoplasty for the treatment of VCF (5 tumor lesions, 1 traumatic) were included. The procedure duration, length of hospital stay, and complications were reported. Visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) for pain and disability were assessed before and 2 months after the procedure., Results: The mean procedure duration was 74 ± 47 min (range 20-140 min). The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-63) after the procedure. Only minor adverse events were reported (4 asymptomatic cement leakages) but no severe complications. No cases of procedural site fracture during follow-up were noted (median 198 days; range 78-238 days). The mean VAS score decreased from 6.2 ± 1.8 mm (median 6 mm; range 4-9 mm) before the procedure to 1.7 ± 2.1 mm (median 1; range 0-5 mm) after the procedure. The ODI decreased from 36 ± 14% (range 18-54%) before the procedure to 23 ± 10% (range 11-30%) at 2-months follow-up., Conclusions: Percutaneous transpedicular fixation of VCF by PEEK implants with cementoplasty appears feasible and safe.

Purpose: To assess safety and efficacy of multi-level vertebroplasty, when treating 6 or more levels in the same procedural setting for the management of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (oVCF) in cancer patients., Materials and Methods: Single institution retrospective review from 2015 to 2019 of patients treated for multi-level oVCF in a single session procedural setting by vertebroplasty of 6 or more levels. Procedure outcomes collected included procedural complications, pre- and 4 week post-procedure pain score by numeric rating scale, opioid usage, and vertebral height changes., Results: In total, 197 vertebral levels were treated in 24 procedures (mean 8.2 ± 1.8 levels). Mean procedure duration was 167 + / - 41 min, and mean postoperative hospitalization duration was 2.1 + / - 1.9 days. Four grade I or II complications occurred according to CIRSE classification. Two patients had a symptomatic pulmonary cement embolism; although there was no statistical difference between pre- and postoperative mean blood saturation (95.9 + / - 1.7% and 94.8 + / - 2.0%, respectively, p = 0.066). Pain score significantly improved after treatment (6.5 ± 1.3 vs 3.2 + / - 1.4, p < 0.0001) with a mean decrease of 3.3 (51%). Post-procedure daily opioid use also significantly improved (mean 35.8 + / - 36.8 mg/24 h vs 18.5 + / - 27.8 mg/24 h, p = 0.0089), with a mean decrease of 17.3 mg/24 h (48%). Refracture was found in 2 of 105 levels treated (1.9%), and no difference was found in thoraco-lumbar height and angulation. Five patients experienced new painful fractures at a non-treated level., Conclusion: Multi-level vertebroplasty for 6 or more levels is a safe and effective treatment for the management of multi-level oVCF in cancer patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of sternal percutaneous fixation by internal cemented screw (FICS) using fluoroscopy and/or CT needle guidance., Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study analyzed 9 consecutive cancer patients managed with percutaneous FICS for sternal fracture fixation or osteolytic metastasis consolidation, from May 2014 to February 2019. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and opioid use were studied preoperatively and postoperatively. Sternal images at last follow-up appointment were also collected., Results: Among the 9 patients, 7 had a sternal fracture with 5 being displaced. The technical feasibility was 100%. Both NPRS score significantly decreased from 5.6/10 ± 2.8 to 1.1/10 ± 1.6, and analgesic consumption was significantly improved (p = 0.03) after intervention. No post-procedural complications requiring surgical correction or screw displacement occurred after a mean imaging follow-up that exceeded 1 year (mean follow-up duration, 401.8 days ± 305.8)., Conclusion: Image-guided sternal percutaneous FICS is feasible and safe. It reduces pain and analgesic consumption related to pathologic fracture of the sternum.

Introduction: To evaluate the long-term consolidation of vertebral metastases (VM) after preventive vertebroplasty (PV) and to report risk factors of pathological fracture despite PV., Materials and Methods: Files of 100 consecutives cancer patients referred for PV of VM were retrospectively analyzed. We enumerated 215 VM at the time of the PV procedure (T0): 138 VM were considered at risk of pathological fracture and had PV (treated-VM), and 77 VM were not cemented. We compared the VM characteristics using the spine instability neoplastic score (SINS) at T0 and the rate of pathologic fracture between treated-VM and untreated-VM using Kaplan-Meier method. We analyzed risk factors of pathological fracture despite PV using treated-VM characteristics and quality of cement injection criteria., Results: Despite a lower SINS value at T0 (p < 0.001), the rate of pathological fracture was significantly higher among untreated-VM compared to the treated-VM, (log-rank, p < 0.001). Major risk factors of fracture among treated-VM were: SINS value ≥ 8 (p < 0.012), mechanical pain (p = 0.001), osteolytic lesion (p = 0.033), metastatic vertebral body involvement > 50% with no collapse (p < 0.001) and unilateral posterior involvement by the vertebral metastasis (p = 0.024), Saliou score < 9 (p = 0.008), vertebral metastasis filling with cement < 50% (p = 0.007) and the absence of cement's contact with vertebral endplates (p = 0.014)., Conclusion: PV is long-term effective for consolidation of VM and must be discussed at the early diagnosed. Quality of cement injection matters, suggesting that techniques that improve the quantity and the quality of cement diffusion into the VM must be developed.

Sarcoma is rare and heterogenous with various subtypes having a different prognostic. Desmoid is a tumour with a local aggressiveness; GIST with KIT mutation responds massively to target treatment as IMATINIB, whereas soft tissue sarcoma and leiomyosarcoma are very aggressive with poor response to systemic therapies. Interventional radiology plays an important role in the diagnosis of sarcomas with image-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy being the most commonly used biopsy technique in the diagnosis of sarcomas. Biopsy access routes discussed with the surgeon, and skin access is tattooed. Surgery is a mainstay of sarcoma treatment; the resection can be large. Indeed, resection objective is R0 because quality of surgical margins impacts local control and survival. Radiotherapy is possible in neoadjuvant or in adjuvant treatment to improve local control rate. Recently radiotherapy enhancer injected percutaneously in soft tissue sarcoma has proven benefit in increasing the rate of R0 complete surgical resection. Several studies showed better local control rate linked with post-operative radiotherapy. In patients affected by oligometastatic disease, complete surgical resection of all metastatic sites is in fact considered the primary treatment because complete remission is critical for cure. The decision making to use local therapies is complex, depends upon diverse presentations and histologies, and should always be taken in a multidisciplinary discussion. Today, percutaneous image-guided treatments with ablation technologies (radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, microwaves ablation) provide high rate of durable local control for small-sized malignant deposit in many organs including lung, liver and bones. Sarcoma must be managed by multimodality treatment in expert reference centres. Such management has a considerable impact on the prognosis.

Cancer pain is most commonly classified as nociceptive (somatic or visceral) or neuropathic. Different types of pain or pain syndromes are present in all phases of cancer (early and metastatic) and are inadequately treated in 56% to 82.3% of patients. Percutaneous neurolysis and neuromodulation are feasible and reproducible, efficient (70-80% success rate) and safe (≈ 0.5% mean complication rate) palliative therapies for pain reduction in oncologic patients with refractory pain. Percutaneous neurolysis can be performed either by injection of a chemical agent (phenol or alcohol) or by application of continuous radiofrequency or cryoablation. During chemical neurolysis nerve damage is achieved by means of Wallerian degeneration. A thorough knowledge of neural anatomy and pain transmission pathways is fundamental to appropriate patient and technique selection. Imaging guidance and strict asepsis are prerequisites. The purpose of this article is to describe the basic concepts of percutaneous neurolysis in oncologic patients. Controversies concerning techniques and products will be addressed. Finally, the necessity for an individually tailored approach for the selection of the different techniques and targets will be emphasized.

Background and Purpose: Conventional treatments of systemic chemotherapy and surgical resection for recurrent or metastatic hepatoblastoma (HB) may be inhibitive for the pediatric patient and family who have already been through extensive therapies. This single-institution case series evaluates the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the management of metastatic HB., Materials and Methods: Between March 2008 and February 2015, RFA was used as part of multidisciplinary management for HB recurrence or metastasis in 5 children (median 5.0 years old) in an attempt to provide locoregional control and preclude additional surgery. Combined local treatments of 38 metachronous metastases included surgical metastasectomy (14 lesions: 7 lung, 7 liver), percutaneous RFA (23 lesions: 21 lung, 1 liver, 1 bone), and stereotactic radiotherapy (1 liver lesion)., Results: For lesions treated with RFA (median diameter 6 mm, range 3-15 mm), local control was achieved in 22/23 metastases (95.6%) with median follow-up of 30.1 months after RFA (range 18.9-65.7). Median hospitalization was 3 days (2-7), with major complications limited to 1 pneumothorax requiring temporary small-caliber chest tube. Four children remain in complete remission with median follow-up of 67 months (range 41.2-88.8) after primary tumor resection, with mean disease-free survival of 31.7 months after last local treatment. One child succumbed to rapidly progressive disease 12 months after RFA (23.9 months after primary tumor resection)., Conclusion: RFA provides a safe and effective reiterative treatment option in the multidisciplinary management of children with metastatic HB.

Purpose: Biodegradable polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles can adsorb at the water/oil interface to stabilize the emulsion (forming Pickering-emulsion). The purpose of this study was to compare the release profiles of oxaliplatin from Pickering-emulsion and Lipiodol-emulsion., Materials/methods: Pickering-emulsions and Lipiodol-emulsions were both formulated with oxaliplatin (5 mg/mL) and Lipiodol (water/oil ratio: 1/3). For Pickering-emulsion only, PLGA nanoparticles (15 mg/mL) were dissolved into oxaliplatin before formulation. In vitro release of oxaliplatin from both emulsions was evaluated. Then, oxaliplatin was selectively injected into left hepatic arteries of 18 rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumors using either 0.5 mL Pickering-emulsion (n = 10) or 0.5 mL Lipiodol-emulsion (n = 8). In each group, half of the rabbits were killed at 1 h and half at 24 h. Mass spectrometry was used to quantify drug pharmacokinetics in blood and resulting tissue (tumors, right, and left livers) oxaliplatin concentrations., Results: Pickering-emulsion demonstrated a slow oxaliplatin release compared to Lipiodol-emulsion (1.5 ± 0.2 vs. 12.0 ± 6% at 1 h and 15.8 ± 3.0 vs. 85.3 ± 3.3% at 24 h) during in vitro comparison studies. For animal model studies, the plasmatic peak (C max ) and the area under the curve (AUC) were significantly lower with Pickering-emulsion compared to Lipiodol-emulsion (C max  = 0.49 ± 0.14 vs. 1.08 ± 0.41 ng/mL, p = 0.01 and AUC = 19.8 ± 5.9 vs. 31.8 ± 14.9, p = 0.03). This resulted in significantly lower oxaliplatin concentrations in tissues at 1 h with Pickering-emulsion but higher ratio between tumor and left liver at 24 h (43.4 vs. 14.5, p = 0.04)., Conclusion: Slow release of oxaliplatin from Pickering-emulsion results in a significant decrease in systemic drug exposure and higher ratio between tumor and left liver oxaliplatin concentration at 24 h.

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate a novel implant, Y-STRUT ® (Hyprevention, Pessac, France), designed to provide prophylactic reinforcement of the proximal femur in metastatic patients., Methods: Ten patients presenting lytic lesions of the proximal femur were to be treated. The device consisted of two components implanted in the proximal femur, combined with bone cement. Patients were followed at 2, 6 and 12 months to record technical feasibility, safety and efficacy parameters of the procedure., Results: All patients (62 years, 67% male) presented a pertrochanteric lesion shown on imaging with an average Mirels' score of 9.42 (range 8-11). Procedures were performed by interventional radiologists, under general anesthesia in 97 ± 28 min, with 9.2 ± 3.1 ml of cement injected. Hospitalization duration was 2.3 ± 1.4 days. A median follow-up of 237 days (range 24-411) was reported. Wound healing was achieved in all patients, with no case of wound infection, bleeding, leakage or inflammation. Among the patients evaluated, 86% could resume walking at hospital discharge. Visual Analogue Scale decreased from 3.6 ± 2.9 before treatment to 1.3 ± 0.8 at 1 year. OHS-12 score increased from 30 ± 10 at baseline to 37 ± 6 at 1 year., Conclusions: Results from this first-in-man study conducted in patients with metastatic bone disease show the feasibility and the safety of the intervention, with a short hospitalization, when performed following the operating instructions. Initial data showing pain-level diminution and increase in OHS-12 score indicate that both symptomatic and functional conditions of the patients were improved 1 year after the implantation of this novel implant., Level of Evidence: Level 4, Case Series.

Purpose: To assess whether fusion imaging-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) can improve visibility and targeting of liver metastasis that were deemed inconspicuous on ultrasound (US)., Materials and Methods: MWA of liver metastasis not judged conspicuous enough on US was performed under CT/US fusion imaging guidance. The conspicuity before and after the fusion imaging was graded on a five-point scale, and significance was assessed by Wilcoxon test. Technical success, procedure time, and procedure-related complications were evaluated., Results: A total of 35 patients with 40 liver metastases (mean size 1.3 ± 0.4 cm) were enrolled. Image fusion improved conspicuity sufficiently to allow fusion-targeted MWA in 33 patients. The time required for image fusion processing and tumors' identification averaged 10 ± 2.1 min (range 5-14). Initial conspicuity on US by inclusion criteria was 1.2 ± 0.4 (range 0-2), while conspicuity after localization on fusion imaging was 3.5 ± 1 (range 1-5, p < 0.001). Technical success rate was 83% (33/40) in intention-to-treat analysis and 100% in analysis of treated tumors. There were no major procedure-related complications., Conclusions: Fusion imaging broadens the scope of US-guided MWA to metastasis lacking adequate conspicuity on conventional US. Fusion imaging is an effective tool to increase the conspicuity of liver metastases that were initially deemed non visualizable on conventional US imaging.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and 6 months clinical result of sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and median nerve decompression after ultra-minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided percutaneous carpal tunnel release (PCTR) surgery., Methods: Consecutive patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were enrolled in this descriptive, open-label study. The procedure was performed in the interventional radiology room. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at baseline and 1 month. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was administered at baseline, 1, and 6 months., Results: 129 patients were enrolled. Significant decreases in mean symptom severity scores (3.3 ± 0.7 at baseline, 1.7 ± 0.4 at Month 1, 1.3 ± 0.3 at Month 6) and mean functional status scores (2.6 ± 1.1 at baseline, 1.6 ± 0.4 at Month 1, 1.3 ± 0.5 at Month 6) were noted. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a complete section of all TCL and nerve decompression in 100% of patients. No complications were identified., Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided PCTR was used successfully to section the TCL, decompress the median nerve, and reduce self-reported symptoms.

Early focus of interventional oncologists was developing tools and imaging guidance, performing "procedures" acting as a skillful technician without knowledge of clinical patient outcomes, beyond post-treatment image findings. Interventional oncologists must deliver "treatments" and not "procedures", and focus on clinically relevant outcomes, provide clinical continuity of care, which means stand at multidisciplinary tumor boards, see patients in consultation before treatment and for follow-up. Interventional oncologists have fought for the same "market" with surgery in a head to head, bloody competition called red ocean strategy in marketing terms, resulting in many aborted trials. Wide adoption of interventional oncology is facing the challenge to build evidence with overall survival as endpoint in randomized trials while the benefits of a treatment on overall survival are diluted by the effects of possible/inevitable subsequent therapies. Because interventional oncology is a disruptive force in medicine achieving same results as others (surgery) using different, less invasive approaches, patients where surgery is irrelevant can be target with a blue ocean strategy (to propose treatment where there is no competition). Recently interventional oncology has been included in the ESMO guidelines for colorectal cancer with oligometastatic disease with both surgical resection, and thermal ablation classified in the same category called "local ablative treatments". Interventional oncologists have to shape the future by publications in oncologic journal, by being active members of oncology scientific societies, and use modern public megaphone (blog, video sharing, …) to disseminate information and let society know that interventional is not a me-too product but a disruptive treatment.

Objective: To evaluate prognostic factors associated with local control and disease-free-survival (DFS) of oligometastatic breast cancer patients treated by percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA)., Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine consecutive patients (54.5 ± 11.2 years old) with 114 breast cancer metastases (28.9 ± 16.1 mm in diameter), involving the lungs, the liver, and/or the bone, were treated using PTA with a curative intent. The goal was to achieve a complete remission in association with systemic chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic factors associated with 1- and 2-year local control and the 1- and 2-year DFS rates., Results: The 1- and 2-year local control rates were 83.0 and 76.1 %, respectively. Tumor burden was associated with a poorer outcome for local control after PTA (HR 1.027 by additional millimeter, p = 0.026; >4 cm HR 3.90). The 1- and 2-year DFS rates were 54.2 and 30.4 %, respectively. In multivariate analysis, triple-negative histological subtype and increased size of treated metastases were associated with a poorer DFS (HR 2.22; 95 % CI [1.13-4.36]; p = 0.02 and HR 2.43; 95 % CI [1.22-4.82]; p = 0.011, respectively)., Conclusion: PTA is effective for local control of breast cancer oligometastases. Tumor burden >4 cm and triple-negative histological subtype are associated with a poorer outcome.

Transarterial chemoembolization with Lipiodol (Lipiodol TACE), also called conventional TACE, was developed in the early 1980s and widely adopted worldwide after randomized control trials and meta-analysis demonstrated superiority of Lipiodol TACE to best supportive care. Presently, there is no level one evidence that other TACE techniques are superior to Lipiodol TACE for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which includes patients with preserved liver function and nonsurgical large or multinodular HCC without distant metastases. In addition, TACE is part of the treatment for progressive or symptomatic liver metastases from gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. When injected into the hepatic artery, Lipiodol has the unique property of selective uptake and retention in hyperarterialyzed liver tumors. Lipiodol/drug emulsion followed by particle embolization has been demonstrated to improve the pharmacokinetic of the drug and tumor response. Radio opacity of Lipiodol helps to monitor treatment delivery, with retention of Lipiodol serving as an imaging biomarker for tumor response. For 30 years, Lipiodol TACE has been inconsistently referenced in many publications with various levels of details for the method of preparation and administration, with reported progressive outcomes following improvements in the technique and the devices used to deliver the treatment and better patient selection. Consequently, there is no consensus on the standard method of TACE regarding the use of anticancer agents, embolic material, technical details, and the treatment schedule. In order to develop an internationally validated technical recommendation to standardize the Lipiodol TACE procedure, a worldwide panel of experts participated in a consensus meeting held on May 10, 2014 .

Purpose: To compare post-procedure pain of subcapsular hepatic metastasis treated with microwave ablation (MWA) with and without artificial ascites., Materials and Methods: During a 2-years period, 41 patients underwent MWA of 52 peripheral liver metastases including 20 patients (10 men and 10 women (mean ± SD age: 62 ± 9.3 years) who underwent MWA of 27 metastasis without artificial ascites (group 1), and 21 patients (12 men and 9 women (mean age: 63.5 ± 9.9 years) who underwent MWA of 25 metastasis with artificial ascites (group 2). Patient's pain assessment cores [10-point visual analog scale (VAS)] at 6, 24 h, and 4 days after the MWA procedure were compared among groups, as well as 24 h cumulative morphine dose was also compared among groups. Complications were reported. Statistical significance was evaluated by Fisher's exact test and Student's t test., Results: Pain VAS were 8.6 ± 2.7, 3.9 ± 1.4, and 0.6 ± 1.2 at 6, 24 h, 4 days, respectively, for group-I and 0.8 ± 1.9, 0.3 ± 0.9, and 6.6 ± 3.5 for group II. Pain VAS were significantly different at 6, 24 h, and 4 days between the two groups (p < 0.0001). The average 24 h dose of morphine was 5.8 ± 2.2 mg in group-I and 0.2 ± 0.6 mg in group-II (p < 0.0001). Complications occurred in two patients from group-I (10%), including one bilio-pleural fistula and one minor cutaneous burn. One patient (9.5%) in group-II developed a lobar infarction. No bleeding and no procedure-related death were reported., Conclusion: Artificial ascites prevents immediate post-procedural pain, which re-appears intensively 4 days later.

Purpose: To investigate predictive factors for liver necrosis after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of neuroendocrine liver metastases., Methods: A total of 164 patients receiving 374 TACE were reviewed retrospectively to analyze predictive factors of liver necrosis. We analyzed patient age and sex; metastasis number and location; percentage of liver involvement; baseline liver function test; and pretreatment imaging abnormalities such as bile duct dilatation (BDD), portal vein narrowing (PVN), and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). We analyzed TACE technique such as Lipiodol or drug-eluting beads (DEB) as the drug's vector; dose of chemotherapy; diameter of DEB; and number, frequency, and selectivity of TACE., Results: Liver necrosis developed after 23 (6.1 %) of 374 TACE. In multivariate analysis, DEB > 300 μm in size induced more liver necrosis compared to Lipiodol (odds ratio [OR] 35.20; p < 0.0001) or with DEB < 300 μm in size (OR 19.95; p < 0.010). Pretreatment BDD (OR 119.64; p < 0.0001) and PVT (OR 9.83; p = 0.030) were predictive of liver necrosis. BDD or PVT responsible for liver necrosis were present before TACE in 59 % (13 of 22) and were induced by a previous TACE in 41 % (9 of 22) of cases., Conclusion: DEB > 300 μm in size, BDD, and PVT are responsible for increased rate of liver necrosis after TACE. Careful analysis of BDD or PVT on pretreatment images as well as images taken between two courses can help avoid TACE complications.

Purpose: To assess safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) of lung malignancies., Materials and Methods: Patients with primary and secondary lung malignancies and preserved lung function were included in this prospective single arm trial. Primary and secondary endpoints were safety and efficacy. Recruitment goal was 36 subjects in 2 centers. Patients underwent IRE under general anesthesia with probe placement performed in Fluoroscopy-CT. The IRE system employed was NanoKnife® (Angiodynamics). System settings for the ablation procedure followed the manufacturer's recommendations. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate the correlation of nine technical parameters with local tumor control. Median follow up was 12 months., Results: The expected efficacy was not met at interim analysis and the trial was stopped prematurely after inclusion of 23 patients (13/10 between both centers). The dominant tumor entity was colorectal (n = 13). The median tumor diameter was 16 mm (8-27 mm). Pneumothoraces were observed in 11 of 23 patients with chest tubes required in 8 (35 %). Frequently observed alveolar hemorrhage never led to significant hemoptysis. 14/23 showed progressive disease (61 %). Stable disease was found in 1 (4 %), partial remission in 1 (4 %) and complete remission in 7 (30 %) patients. The relative increase of the current during ablation was significantly higher in the group treated successfully as compared to the group presenting local recurrence (p < 0.05). Needle tract seeding was found in three cases (13 %)., Conclusions: IRE is not effective for the treatment of lung malignancies. We hypothesize that the energy deposition with current IRE probes is highly sensitive to air exposure.

Purpose: To evaluate the survival outcomes of percutaneous thermal ablation (RFA + microwaves) for patients presenting N0 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ineligible for surgery., Materials and Methods: Eighty-seven patients from two comprehensive cancer centers were included. Eighty-two patients were treated with RFA electrodes and five with microwave antenna. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated and predictive factors of local tumor progression, OS and DFS identified and compared by univariate and multivariate analyses, Results: Median follow-up was 30.5 months (interquartile range 16.7-51) and tumor size was 21 mm (range 10-54 mm). Treatment was incomplete for 14 patients with a local tumor progression of 11.5, 18.3, and 21.1 % at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Two patients presented with neurological (grade III or IV) complications, and one died of respiratory and multivisceral failure as a result of the procedure at 29 days. In univariate analysis, increasing tumor size (P = 0.003) was the only predictive factor related to risk of local tumor progression. 5-year OS and DFS were 58.1 and 27.9 %, respectively. Sex (P = 0.044), pathology (P = 0.032), and tumor size >2 cm (P = 0.046) were prognostic factors for DFS. In multivariate analysis, pathology (P = 0.033) and tumor size >2 cm (P = 0.032) were independent prognostic factors for DFS., Conclusions: Oversized and overlapping ablation of N0 NSCLC was well tolerated, effective, with few local tumor progressions, even over long-term follow-up. Increasing tumor size was the main prognostic factor linked to OS, DFS, and local tumor progression.

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the accuracy of targeting and the radiation dose of bone biopsies performed either under fluoroscopic guidance using a cone-beam CT with real-time 3D image fusion software (FP-CBCT-guidance) or under conventional computed tomography guidance (CT-guidance)., Methods: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with a bone lesion were prospectively included. The bone biopsies were scheduled under FP-CBCT-guidance or under CT-guidance according to operating room availability. Thirty-four patients underwent a bone biopsy under FP-CBCT and 34 under CT-guidance. We prospectively compared the two guidance modalities for their technical success, accuracy, puncture time, and pathological success rate. Patient and physician radiation doses also were compared., Results: All biopsies were technically successful, with both guidance modalities. Accuracy was significantly better using FP-CBCT-guidance (3 and 5 mm respectively: p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in puncture time (32 and 31 min respectively, p = 0.51) nor in pathological results (88 and 88 % of pathological success respectively, p = 1). Patient radiation doses were significantly lower with FP-CBCT (45 vs. 136 mSv, p < 0.0001). The percentage of operators who received a dose higher than 0.001 mSv (dosimeter detection dose threshold) was lower with FP-CBCT than CT-guidance (27 vs. 59 %, p = 0.01)., Conclusions: FP-CBCT-guidance for bone biopsy is accurate and reduces patient and operator radiation doses compared with CT-guidance.

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of a percutaneously inserted coil as a landmark before radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of poorly visible liver tumors on unenhanced computed tomography and ultrasound., Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study of 46 consecutive patients treated from January 2008 to June 2012 with RFA under CT guidance for 57 poorly visible liver tumors after percutaneous coil insertion. Effectiveness was evaluated by the rate of local tumor progression (LTP), and the risk factors of LTP were evaluated by multiple univariate analysis., Results: After a mean follow-up of 15.9 months, the overall rate of LTP was 22.8 % (13/57). An increase in the distance between the coil and the center of the tumor was a predictive factor of LTP (p = 0.005) and resulted in an increase in time to place the RFA probe. LTP was significantly reduced in case of coil placed within the tumor (10 vs. 43.5 %, p = 0.009)., Conclusions: The effectiveness of the "coil-assisted" RFA for poorly visible liver tumors is improved by centering the coil in the tumor in order to facilitate the placement of the RFA probe and equal to the results of RFA under direct image guidance.

Purpose: To evaluate the microwave ablation of created tumor mimics in the lung of a large animal model (pigs), with examination of the ablative synergy of multiple antennas., Methods: Fifty-six tumor-mimic models of various sizes were created in 15 pigs by using barium-enriched minced collected thigh muscle injected into the lung of the same animal. Tumors were ablated under fluoroscopic guidance by single-antenna and multiple-antenna microwaves., Results: Thirty-five tumor models were treated in 11 pigs with a single antenna at 75 W for 15 min, with 15 measuring 20 mm in diameter, 10 measuring 30 mm, and 10 measuring 40 mm. Mean circularity of the single-antenna ablation zones measured 0.64 ± 0.12, with a diameter of 35.7 ± 8.7 mm along the axis of the antenna and 32.7 ± 12.8 mm perpendicular to the feeding point. Multiple-antenna delivery of 75 W for 15 min caused intraprocedural death of 2 animals; modified protocol to 60 W for 10 min resulted in an ablation zone with a diameter of 43.0 ± 7.7 along the axis of the antenna and 54.8 ± 8.5 mm perpendicular to the feeding point; circularity was 0.70 ± 0.10, Conclusions: A single microwave antenna can create ablation zones large enough to cover lung tumor mimic models of ≤4 cm with no heat sink effect from vessels of ≤6 mm. Synergic use of 3 antennas allows ablation of larger volumes than single-antenna or radiofrequency ablation, but great caution must be taken when 3 antennas are used simultaneously in the lung in clinical practice.

Objective: Percutaneous osteosynthesis plus cementoplasty (POPC) is a minimally invasive technique that has never been reported before and that we have prospectively evaluated for patients with impending pathological fracture of the proximal femur., Methods: We performed POPC in 12 patients (3 males, 9 females) with metastasis of the proximal femur with a high risk of fracture (Mirels' score ≥8) between February 2010 and July 2011. Patients were not candidates for standard surgical stabilization. We analyzed the feasibility, duration, and complication of the procedure, the risk of fracture, the decrease in pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), and length of stay in hospital. Data were prospectively collected in all patients., Results: The mean Mirels' score was 9.8 ± 1.2 (range, 8-11). The technical success was 100%. POPC was performed under general anesthesia (n = 6) or conscious sedation (n = 6). The mean duration was 110 ± 43 (range, 60-180) minutes. All patients stood up and walked the second day after the procedure. The average length of stay in the hospital was 4 ± 1.6 (range, 2-7) days. We experienced two hematomas in two patients and no thromboembolic complication. For symptomatic patients (n = 8), VAS decreased from 6.5/10 (range, 2-9) before treatment to 1/10 (range, 0-3) 1 month after. No fracture occurred after a median follow-up of 145 (range, 12-608) days., Conclusions: POPC for impending pathological fracture of the proximal femur seems to be a promising alternative for cancer patients who are not candidates for surgical stabilization. Further studies are required to confirm this preliminary experience.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to study the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan injected intravenously, intra-arterially, or loaded onto a delivery platform., Material and Methods: Fifty-four New Zealand White rabbits with VX2 liver tumor, divided in 3 groups of 17 rabbits, each received irinotecan either by intravenous (IV) route, intra-arterial hepatic (IA) route, or loaded on drug-eluting beads (DEBIRI). Animals were killed at 1, 6, and 24 h. Irinotecan and SN-38 concentrations were measured at different time points in serum, tumor, and normal liver., Results: Twelve milligrams of irinotecan were injected IV and IA, whereas 6-16.5 mg were injected loaded onto DEBIRI. Normalized serum irinotecan reached a peak of 333 ng/ml (range 198.8-502.5) for IV, 327.1 ng/ml (range 277.1-495.6) for IA, and 189.7 ng/ml (range 111.1-261.9) for DEBIRI (P < 0.001) delivery. The area-under-the-curve value from 10 to 60 min of serum irinotecan concentration was significantly lower for DEBIRI (P = 0.0009). Tumor irinotecan levels for IV, IA, and DEBIRI (in ng/200 mg of tissue followed by ranges in parentheses) were, respectively, 23.6 (0.3-24.9), 36.5 (7.7-1914.1), and 20.2 (2.9-319) at 1 h; 4.2 (1-27.9), 99.3 (46.6-159.5), and 42.1 (11.3-189) at 6 h; and 2.7 (2.5-6.9), 18.3 (1.5-369.1), and 174.4 (3.4-5147.3) at 24 h (P = 0.02). At 24 h, tumor necrosis was 25% (10-30), 60% (40-91.25), and 95% (76.25-95) for IV, IA, and DEBIRI, respectively (P = 0.03)., Conclusion: Compared with IV or IA, DEBIRI induces lower early serum levels of irinotecan, a high and prolonged intratumoral level of irinotecan, and a greater rate of tumor necrosis at 24 h. Further evaluation of the clinical benefit of DEBIRI is warranted.

Tranarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been established by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials as the standard of care for nonsurgical patients with large or multinodular noninvasive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) isolated to the liver and with preserved liver function. Although conventional TACE with administration of an anticancer-in-oil emulsion followed by embolic agents has been the most popular technique, the introduction of embolic drug-eluting beads has provided an alternative to lipiodol-based regimens. Experimental studies have shown that TACE with drug-eluting beads has a safe pharmacokinetic profile and results in effective tumor killing in animal models. Early clinical experiences have confirmed that drug-eluting beads provide a combined ischemic and cytotoxic effect locally with low systemic toxic exposure. Recently, the clinical value of a TACE protocol performed by using the embolic microsphere DC Bead loaded with doxorubicin (DEBDOX; drug-eluting bead doxorubicin) has been shown by randomized controlled trials. An important limitation of conventional TACE has been the inconsistency in the technique and the treatment schedules. This limitation has hampered the acceptance of TACE as a standard oncology treatment. Doxorubicin-loaded DC Bead provides levels of consistency and repeatability not available with conventional TACE and offers the opportunity to implement a standardized approach to HCC treatment. With this in mind, a panel of physicians took part in a consensus meeting held during the European Conference on Interventional Oncology in Florence, Italy, to develop a set of technical recommendations for the use of DEBDOX in HCC treatment. The conclusions of the expert panel are summarized.

Portal vein embolization (PVE) has been developed to increase the size of the future remnant liver (FRL) left in place after major hepatectomy, thus reducing the risk of postoperative liver insufficiency. PVE consist in embolizing preoperatively portal branches of the segments that will be resected. Indication is based on preoperative measurements of the FRL by computed tomography and its ratio with either the theoretical liver volume or by direct measurement of the functional liver volume. After PVE, the volume and function of the FRL increases in 3 to 6 weeks, permitting extensive resections in patients otherwise contraindicated for liver resection. The PVE technique is variable from one center to another; however n-butyl-cyano-acrylate provides an interesting compromise between hypertrophy rate and procedure risk.

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of electromagnetic needle tracking for sonographically guided percutaneous liver biopsies., Methods: We performed 23 consecutive ultrasound-guided liver biopsies for liver nodules with an electromagnetic tracking of the needle. A sensor placed at the tip of a sterile stylet (18G) inserted in a coaxial guiding trocar (16G) used for biopsy was localized in real time relative to the ultrasound imaging plane, thanks to an electromagnetic transmitter and two sensors on the ultrasound probe. This allows for electronic display of the needle tip location and the future needle path overlaid on the real-time ultrasound image. Distance between needle tip position and its electronic display, number of needle punctures, number of needle pull backs for redirection, technical success (needle positioned in the target), diagnostic success (correct histopathology result), procedure time, and complication were evaluated according to lesion sizes, depth and location, operator experience, and "in-plane" or "out-of-plane" needle approach., Results: Electronic display was always within 2 mm from the real position of the needle tip. The technical success rate was 100%. A single needle puncture without repuncture was used in all patients. Pull backs were necessary in six patients (26%) to obtain correct needle placement. The overall diagnostic success rate was 91%. The overall true-positive, true-negative, false-negative, and failure rates of the biopsy were 100% (19/19) 100% (2/2), 0% (0/23), and 9% (2/23). The median total procedure time from the skin puncture to the needle in the target was 30 sec (from 5-60 s). Lesion depth and localizations, operator experience, in-plane or out-of-plane approach did not affect significantly the technical, diagnostic success, or procedure time. Even when the tumor size decreased, the procedure time did not increase., Conclusions: Electromagnetic-tracked biopsy is accurate to determine needle tip position and allows fast and accurate needle placement in targeted liver nodules.

Purpose: To compare retrospectively the safety and efficacy of percutaneous and surgical implantations of port-catheters for intra-arterial hepatic chemotherapy (IAHC)., Materials and Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2008, 126 consecutive patients (mean age 58 years) suffering from liver colorectal metastases were referred for intra-arterial hepatic chemotherapy (IAHC). Port-catheters were percutaneously implanted (P) through femoral access with the patient under conscious sedation when no other surgery was planned or were surgically implanted (S) when laparotomy was performed for another purpose. We report the implantation success rate, primary functionality, functionality after revision, and complications of IAHC., Results: The success rates of implantation were 97% (n = 65 of 67) for P and 98% (n = 58 of 59) for S. One hundred eleven patients received IAHC in our institution (n = 56P and n = 55S). Primary functionality was the same for P and S (4.80 vs. 4.82 courses), but functionality after revision was significantly higher for P (9.18 vs. 5.95 courses, p = 0.004) than for S. Forty-five complications occurred during 516 courses for P and 28 complications occurred during 331 courses for S. The rates of discontinuation of IAHC linked to complications of the port-catheters were 21% (n = 12 of 56) for P and 34% (n = 19 of 55) for S., Conclusion: Overall, significantly better functionality and similar complication rates occurred after P versus S port-catheters.

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the spatial accuracy of matching volumetric computed tomography (CT) data of hepatic metastases with real-time ultrasound (US) using a fusion imaging system (VNav) according to different clinical settings., Methods: Twenty-four patients with one hepatic tumor identified on enhanced CT and US were prospectively enrolled. A set of three landmarks markers was chosen on CT and US for image registration. US and CT images were then superimposed using the fusion imaging display mode. The difference in spatial location between the tumor visible on the CT and the US on the overlay images (reviewer #1, comment #2) was measured in the lateral, anterior-posterior, and vertical axis. The maximum difference (Dmax) was evaluated for different predictive factors. CT performed 1-30 days before registration versus immediately before. Use of general anesthesia for CT and US versus no anesthesia. Anatomic landmarks versus landmarks that include at least one nonanatomic structure, such as a cyst or a calcification, Results: Overall, Dmax was 11.53 ± 8.38 mm. Dmax was 6.55 ± 7.31 mm with CT performed immediately before VNav versus 17.4 ± 5.18 with CT performed 1-30 days before (p < 0.0001). Dmax was 7.05 ± 6.95 under general anesthesia and 16.81 ± 6.77 without anesthesia (p < 0.0015). Landmarks including at least one nonanatomic structure increase Dmax of 5.2 mm (p < 0.0001). The lowest Dmax (1.9 ± 1.4 mm) was obtained when CT and VNav were performed under general anesthesia, one immediately after the other., Conclusions: VNav is accurate when adequate clinical setup is carefully selected. Only under these conditions (reviewer #2), liver tumors not identified on US can be accurately targeted for biopsy or radiofrequency ablation using fusion imaging.

We report two cases of spontaneous regression of multiple pulmonary metastases occurring after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of a single lung metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first such cases reported. These two patients presented with lung metastases progressive despite treatment with interleukin-2, interferon, or sorafenib but were safely ablated with percutaneous RFA under computed tomography guidance. Percutaneous RFA allowed control of the targeted tumors for >1 year. Distant lung metastases presented an objective response despite the fact that they received no targeted local treatment. Local ablative techniques, such as RFA, induce the release of tumor-degradation product, which is probably responsible for an immunologic reaction that is able to produce a response in distant tumors.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate computed analysis of three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the liver for determination of subsegmental tumor-feeding vessels (FVs). Eighteen consecutive patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) from January to October 2008 for 25 liver tumors (15 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCCs] and 10 neuroendocrine metastases). Anteroposterior projection angiogram (two-dimensional [2D]) and 3D cone-beam CTA images were acquired by injection of the common hepatic artery. Retrospectively, FVs were independently identified by three radiology technologists using a software package (S) that automatically determines FVs by analysis of 3D images. Subsequently, three interventional radiologists (IRs) independently identified FVs by reviewing the 2D images followed by examination of the 3D images. Finally, the "ground truth" for the number and location of FVs was obtained by consensus among the IRs, who were allowed to use any imaging-including 2D, 3D, and all oblique or selective angiograms-for such determination. Sensitivities, durations, and degrees of agreement for review of 2D, 3D, and S results were evaluated. Sensitivity of 3D (73%) was higher than 2D (64%) images for identification of FVs (P = 0.036). The sensitivity of S (93%) was higher than 2D (P = 0.02) and 3D (P = 0.005) imaging. The duration for review of 3D imaging was longer than that for 2D imaging (187 vs. 94 s, P = 0.0001) or for S (135 s, P = 0.0001). The degree of agreement between the IRs using 2D and 3D imaging were 54% and 62%, respectively, whereas it was 82% between the three radiology technologists using S. These preliminary data show that computed determination of FVs is both accurate and sensitive.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) tailored to prepare the liver for complex and extended resections. During the past 5 years, 12 PVEs were performed in noncirrhotic patients with liver metastases from colon cancer (n = 10), choroidal melanoma (n = 1), and leiomyosarcoma (n = 1) to prepare complex anatomical liver resections in patients with small future remnant livers. These liver resections planned to preserve only segment IV in four patients, segments IV, V, and VIII in four patients, segments II, III, VI, and VII in three patients, and segments V and VI in one patient. PVE was performed under general anesthesia with a flow-guided injection of a mixture of cyanoacrylate and Lipiodol using a 5-Fr catheter. All portal branches feeding the liver segments to be resected were successfully embolized with cyanoacrylate except one, which was occluded with coils due to the risk of reflux with cyanoacrylate. After a mean of 32 days, CT volumetry revealed a mean hypertrophy of the unembolized liver of 47 +/- 25% (range, 21-88%). Liver resections could be performed in 10 patients but were canceled in 2, due to the occurrence of a new hepatic tumor in one and an insufficiently increased volume in the other. Among the 10 patients who underwent the liver resection, 1 died of postoperative sepsis, 3 died 3 to 32 months after surgery, including 1 death unrelated to cancer, and 6 were alive after 6 to 36 months after surgery. In conclusion, in this preliminary report, PVE appears to be feasible and able to induce hypertrophy of the future remnant liver before a complex and extended hepatectomy. Further evaluation is needed in a larger cohort.

The development of image-guided percutaneous techniques for local tumour ablation has been one of the major advances in the treatment of liver malignancies. Among these methods, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is currently established as the primary ablative modality at most institutions. RFA is accepted as the best therapeutic choice for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when liver transplantation or surgical resection are not suitable options. In addition, RFA is considered a viable alternate to surgery (1) for inoperable patients with limited hepatic metastatic disease, especially from colorectal cancer, and (2) for patients deemed ineligible for surgical resection because of extent and location of the disease or concurrent medical conditions. These guidelines were written to be used in quality-improvement programs to assess RFA of HCC and liver metastases. The most important processes of care are (1) patient selection, (2) performing the procedure, and (3) monitoring the patient. The outcome measures or indicators for these processes are indications, success rates, and complication rates.

Purpose: To determine the effects of percutaneous intratumoral chemotherapy with mitoxantrone (PIM) in the palliative treatment of malignant liver lesions., Methods: We treated 15 progressive lesions in nine patients in whom either previous therapy failed or serious complications developed as a result. Seven lesions were metastatic and eight were due to foci of hepatocellular carcinoma. Under computed tomography (CT) guidance, we percutaneously injected 10-20 mg of mitoxantrone mixed with 0.5 ml of contrast medium into the tumor, performing one to three treatments at intervals of 1 month., Results: There were no complications. The morphologic responses of the tumors after treatment were: minor response in one case, no change in 11 cases, progressive disease in three cases. Mitoxantrone induced tumor necrosis with no viable cancer tissue in eight of 11 biopsies. Recurrence was observed in nine of the treated lesions 2-9 months after treatment. New lesions were observed in five of nine patients 1-9 months after treatment., Conclusion: In patients with malignant liver lesions with no other therapeutic possibilities, minimally invasive intratumoral mitoxantrone injection was carried out safely with good tumor delivery of chemotherapy, and tumor necrosis was demonstrated at biopsy. We feel this approach warrants further investigation.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a cystoscopic approach, as definitive treatment of ureteral fistulae, after failure of antegrade ureteral stent insertion., Methods: Of 43 ureter fistulae encountered over 4 years, 10 postoperative and/or postradiotherapy fistulae could not be stented via an antegrade approach alone. A cystoscopic approach was used, with the antegrade approach available as back-up, if necessary., Results: In two patients the ureteral orifice could not be visualized cystoscopically, thus precluding the retrograde approach. In the eight remaining patients, the retrograde approach alone never allowed successful stenting. In six patients, combined antegrade and retrograde approaches permitted stent insertions. In three of those six patients, a complex catheterization procedure was necessary. In two patients the combined approach failed altogether. Therefore, 6 of 10 patients underwent a successful stenting procedure with the combined approach; all ultimately closed the fistula., Conclusion: Antegrade stent insertion remains the treatment of choice for ureteral leaks. If the antegrade approach fails, the retrograde approach alone is not likely to be successful. Instead, a combination of both approaches often does succeed.