Safety and efficacy of cryoablation of soft-tissue tumours: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation (CA) of soft-tissue tumors (desmoid tumors (DT), vascular malformations (VM), and abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE)). Methods This systematic review of studies published before January 2024 encompassed a detailed analysis of CA techniques and technical aspects for the treatment of soft-tissue tumors. Data concerning CA efficacy, complication rates, and other relevant metrics was extracted and included for analysis. Results The analysis included 27 studies totaling 554 CA procedures. For DT (13 studies, 393 sessions), CA showed an average pain reduction of 79 ± 17% (range: 57–100) and a lesion volume decrease of 71.5 ± 9.8% (range: 44–97). VM (4 studies, 58 sessions) had a 100% technical success rate and an average pain reduction of 72 ± 25% (range: 63–85). The average pain reduction for AWE (6 studies, 103 sessions) was 82 ± 13% (range: 62–100). Overall, the complication rate for CA was low, with minor adverse events (AE) in about 20% of patients and major events in less than 5% of patients. Conclusion Showing substantial efficacy in pain reduction and lesion volume decrease, as well as low incidence of severe AE, CA presents as a highly effective and safe alternative for the treatment of soft-tissue tumors. Advances in knowledge CA is effective and safe in treating soft-tissue tumors, particularly DT, VM, and AWE.