Petrousjka van den Tol

Irreversible Electroporation for Nonthermal Tumor Ablation in the Clinical Setting: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy

PURPOSE To provide an overview of current clinical results of irreversible electroporation (IRE), a novel, nonthermal tumor ablation technique that uses electric pulses to induce cell death, while preserving structural integrity of bile ducts and vessels. METHODS All in-human literature on IRE reporting safety or efficacy or both was included. All adverse events were recorded. Tumor response on follow-up imaging from 3 months onward was evaluated. RESULTS In 16 studies, 221 patients had 325 tumors treated in liver (n = 129), pancreas (n = 69), kidney (n = 14), lung (n = 6), lesser pelvis (n = 1), and lymph node (n = 2). No major adverse events during IRE were reported. IRE caused only minor complications in the liver; however, three major complications were reported in the pancreas (bile leak [n = 2], portal vein thrombosis [n = 1]). Complete response at 3 months was 67%-100% for hepatic tumors (93%-100% for tumors o 3 cm). Pancreatic IRE combined with surgery led to prolonged survival compared with control patients (20 mo vs 13 mo) and significant pain reduction. CONCLUSIONS In cases where other techniques are unsuitable, IRE is a promising modality for the ablation of tumors near bile ducts and blood vessels. This articles gives an extensive overview of the available evidence, which is limited in terms of quality and quantity. With the limitations of the evidence in mind, IRE of central liver tumors seems relatively safe without major complications, whereas complications after pancreatic IRE appear more severe. The available limited results for tumor control are generally good. Overall, the future of IRE for difficult-to-reach tumors appears promising.

Excessive Resections in Breast-Conserving Surgery A Retrospective Multicentre Study

Abstract:  The main determinant of cosmetic outcomes following breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer is the volume of resection. The importance of achieving optimal oncological control may lead to an unnecessarily large resection of breast tissue. The aim of this study is to evaluate excess resection volume in BCS for cancer by determining a calculated resection ratio (CRR). This retrospective study was conducted in four affiliated institutions and involved 726 consecutive patients with T1‐T2 invasive breast cancer treated by BCS between January 2006 and 2009. The pathology reports were reviewed for tumor palpability, tumor size, surgical specimen size, and oncological margin status. The optimal resection volume (ORV) was defined as the spherical tumor volume with an added 1.0 cm margin of healthy breast tissue. The total resection volume (TRV) was defined as the ellipsoid volume of the surgical specimen. CRR was determined by dividing the TRV by the ORV. Of all tumors, 72% (525/726) were palpable, and 28% (201/726) were nonpalpable. The tumor stage was T1 in 492 patients (67.8%) and T2 in 234 patients (32.2%). The median CRR was 2.5 (0.01–42.93). Margin status was positive or focally positive in 153 patients (21.1%). Lower tumor stage was associated with a higher CRR (factor 0.61 [p < 0.0001] and a lower positive margin rate [p = 0.064]). Accordingly, the median CRR of the nonpalpable lesions was higher than that of the palpable lesions (3.1 and 2.2, respectively; p < 0.01), and the involved margin rate was lower (17.4% and 22.5%, respectively; p = 0.13). Of patients with a CRR >4.0, 10.7% still had tumor involved margins. This study clearly shows that BCS is associated with excessive resection of healthy breast tissue while clear margins are not assured. Surgical factors should be modified to improve surgical accuracy.

Early Detection of Local RFA Site Recurrence Using Total Liver Volume Perfusion CT: Initial Experience

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of a novel total liver volume perfusion computed tomographic technique in demonstrating treatment-site recurrence of liver metastases after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven patients considered to be at increased risk for local RFA-site tumor recurrence underwent both positron emission tomography (PET) and perfusion computed tomography (CTP): a 12-phase scan of the entire liver acquired before and 11 times after contrast injection. After coregistration, blood flow maps were created using the maximum slope method. RESULTS In all cases, the CTP-derived blood flow maps fully paralleled the PET images in showing either the absence (nine of 13 lesions) or presence (four of 13 lesions) of local RFA-site recurrence. Marginal lesions with high hepatic arterial perfusion (>50 mL/min/100 g) and low portal venous perfusion (<10 mL/min/100 g) represented recurring vital tumor tissue (P < .05). CONCLUSION Total liver volume CTP seems feasible for the detection and localization of treatment-site recurrence after RFA.

Transcatheter CT Arterial Portography and CT Hepatic Arteriography for Liver Tumor Visualization during Percutaneous Ablation

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility of combining transcatheter computed tomography (CT) arterial portography or transcatheter CT hepatic arteriography with percutaneous liver ablation for optimized and repeated tumor exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study participants were 20 patients (13 men and 7 women; mean age, 59.4 y; range, 40-76 y) with unresectable liver-only malignancies--14 with colorectal liver metastases (29 lesions), 5 with hepatocellular carcinoma (7 lesions), and 1 with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (2 lesions)--that were obscure on nonenhanced CT. A catheter was placed within the superior mesenteric artery (CT arterial portography) or in the hepatic artery (CT hepatic arteriography). CT arterial portography or CT hepatic arteriography was repeatedly performed after injecting 30-60 mL 1:2 diluted contrast material to plan, guide, and evaluate ablation. The operator confidence levels and the liver-to-lesion attenuation differences were assessed as well as needle-to-target mismatch distance, technical success, and technique effectiveness after 3 months. RESULTS Technical success rate was 100%; there were no major complications. Compared with conventional unenhanced CT, operator confidence increased significantly for CT arterial portography or CT hepatic arteriography cases (P < .001). The liver-to-lesion attenuation differences between unenhanced CT, contrast-enhanced CT, and CT arterial portography or CT hepatic arteriography were statistically significant (mean attenuation difference, 5 HU vs 28 HU vs 70 HU; P < .001). Mean needle-to-target mismatch distance was 2.4 mm ± 1.2 (range, 0-12.0 mm). Primary technique effectiveness at 3 months was 87% (33 of 38 lesions). CONCLUSIONS In patients with technically unresectable liver-only malignancies, single-session CT arterial portography-guided or CT hepatic arteriography-guided percutaneous tumor ablation enables repeated contrast-enhanced imaging and real-time contrast-enhanced CT fluoroscopy and improves lesion conspicuity.

Perfusion Ct and Us of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: A Correlative Study of Two Dynamic Imaging Modalities

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between dynamic-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) and first-pass dynamic-contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) of normal appearing liver parenchyma and of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Thirty patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer underwent DCE-CT and DCE-US. To obtain DCE-US reproducibility measurements, double contrast-passages (2 × 2.4 mL SonoVue intravenous) were acquired. From several DCE-US-derived perfusion indices, the slope-value scored best with a reproducibility concordance correlation coefficient ranging from 0.75-0.93 and overall highest correlation to DCE-CT-derived variables (r = 0.52 to 0.73). The DCE-US-based tumor-to-liver perfusion gradient also showed a low test-retest variability and moderately correlated to DCE-CT (concordance correlation coefficient 0.87-0.92; r = 0.57 to 0.59). To conclude, DCE-US-based slope-value and tumor-to-liver perfusion gradient correlate best with DCE-CT perfusion values. However, both techniques cannot be used interchangeably. DCE-US should be restricted for studies in which a considerable change in perfusion is expected and for patients with a relatively high tumor blood flow at baseline.

Percutaneous Liver Tumour Ablation: Image Guidance, Endpoint Assessment, and Quality Control

Liver tumour ablation nowadays represents a routine treatment option for patients with primary and secondary liver tumours. Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are the most widely adopted methods, although novel techniques, such as irreversible electroporation, are quickly working their way up. The percutaneous approach is rapidly gaining popularity because of its minimally invasive character, low complication rate, good efficacy rate, and repeatability. However, matched to partial hepatectomy and open ablations, the issue of ablation site recurrences remains unresolved and necessitates further improvement. For percutaneous liver tumour ablation, several real-time imaging modalities are available to improve tumour visibility, detect surrounding critical structures, guide applicators, monitor treatment effect, and, if necessary, adapt or repeat energy delivery. Known predictors for success are tumour size, location, lesion conspicuity, tumour-free margin, and operator experience. The implementation of reliable endpoints to assess treatment efficacy allows for completion-procedures, either within the same session or within a couple of weeks after the procedure. Although the effect on overall survival may be trivial, (local) progression-free survival will indisputably improve with the implementation of reliable endpoints. This article reviews the available needle navigation techniques, evaluates potential treatment endpoints, and proposes an algorithm for quality control after the procedure.

Cosmetic outcome and quality of life are inextricably linked in breast-conserving therapy

Cosmetic results and quality of life (QoL) are increasingly important in the treatment of breast cancer. This study was designed to determine the relationship between QoL and both subjectively and objectively measured cosmetic outcomes of breast‐conserving therapy (BCT), and its course over time.

Transcatheter CT Hepatic Arteriography–Guided Percutaneous Ablation to Treat Ablation Site Recurrences of Colorectal Liver Metastases: The Incomplete Ring Sign

Transcatheter computed tomography (CT) arterial portography-guided percutaneous liver tumor ablation has been proved to be feasible and accurate in treating liver metastases from colorectal origin that are obscure on ultrasound and unenhanced CT. However, distinguishing local recurrence from scars after ablation can still be difficult. This report describes nine patients with recurrences after ablation in whom transcatheter CT hepatic arteriography allowed differentiation of recurring and residual tumor tissue (incomplete ring enhancing lesion) from tumor-free nonenhancing scars. Using CT hepatic arteriography, it is possible to plan and guide percutaneous retreatment and confirm technical success without performing oversized repeat ablations or jeopardizing patients renal function.

Spillage of bacterial products during colon surgery increases the risk of liver metastases development in a rat colon carcinoma model.

ABSTRACT Surgical resection of the primary tumor provides the best chance of cure for patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, bacterial translocation during intestinal surgery has been correlated with poor long-term oncological outcome. Therefore, we investigated the influence of bacterial contamination during colon surgery on CRC liver metastases development. Blood and liver samples of patients undergoing resection of primary CRC or liver metastases were collected. Cell numbers, activation markers and inflammatory mediators were determined. Tumor cell adhesion and outgrowth after sham- or colectomy operations were determined in a rat model, in which tumor cells had been injected into the portal vein. White blood cells and granulocytes were increased in per- and post-operative patient blood samples. IL-6 was also increased post-operatively compared to the preoperative level. Expression of NOX-2, NOX-4 and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) numbers were elevated in post-operative human liver samples. In vitro stimulation of macrophages with plasma of rats after colectomy resulted in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Colectomy in rats increased D-lactate levels in plasma, supporting bacterial translocation. Decreased expression of tight junction molecules and increased tumor cell adhesion and outgrowth was observed. Treatment with a selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) cocktail decreased tumor cell adherence after colectomy. In conclusion, postoperative bacterial translocation may activate liver macrophages and PMNs, resulting in ROS production. As we previously showed that ROS release led to liver vasculature damage, circulating tumor cells may adhere to exposed extracellular matrix and grow out into liver metastases. This knowledge is pivotal for development of therapeutic strategies to prevent surgery-induced liver metastases development.

Breast-specific factors determine cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction after breast-conserving therapy: Results from the randomized COBALT study

To identify breast‐specific factors and the role of tumor, treatment, and patient‐related items in influencing patient opinion on cosmesis and satisfaction after breast‐conserving therapy (BCT).