Tumor and Ablation Margin Visibility during Cryoablation of Musculoskeletal Tumors: Comparing Intraprocedural PET/CT Images with CT-Only Images

Abstract

Purpose: To compare tumor and ice-ball margin visibility on intraprocedural positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and CT-only images and report technical success, local tumor progression, and adverse event rates for PET/CT-guided cryoablation procedures for musculoskeletal tumors.

Materials and methods: This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant and institutional review board-approved retrospective study evaluated 20 PET/CT-guided cryoablation procedures performed with palliative and/or curative intent to treat 15 musculoskeletal tumors in 15 patients from 2012 to 2021. Cryoablation was performed using general anesthesia and PET/CT guidance. Procedural images were reviewed to determine the following: (a) whether the tumor borders could be fully assessed on PET/CT or CT-only images; and (b) whether tumor ice-ball margins could be fully assessed on PET/CT or CT-only images. The ability to visualize tumor borders and ice-ball margins on PET/CT images was compared with that on CT-only images.

Results: Tumor borders were fully assessable for 100% (20 of 20; 95% CI, 0.83-1) of procedures on PET/CT versus 20% (4 of 20; 95 CI, 0.057-0.44) of procedures on CT only (P < .001). The tumor ice-ball margin was fully assessable in 80% (16 of 20; 95% CI, 0.56-0.94) of procedures using PET/CT versus 5% (1 of 20; 95% CI, 0.0013-0.25) of procedures using CT only (P < .001). Primary technical success was achieved in 75% (15 of 20; 95% CI, 0.51-0.91) of procedures. There was local tumor progression in 23% (3/13; 95% CI, 0.050-0.54) of the treated tumors with at least 6 months of follow-up. There were 3 adverse events (1 Grade 3, 1 Grade 2, and 1 Grade 1).

Conclusions: PET/CT-guided cryoablation of musculoskeletal tumors can provide superior intraprocedural visualization of the tumor and ice-ball margins compared with that provided by CT alone. Further studies are warranted to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of this approach.