Minimally Invasive Techniques for Managing Pulmonary Metastases: Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery and Radiofrequency Ablation

CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for lung metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be a minimally invasive therapeutic option in patients with lung metastasis from colorectal caner. We aimed to elucidate the safety and survival benefit of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RFA for lung metastasis from colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A total 188 lesions were ablated in 43 patients from 2005 to 2017. The clinicopathological and survival data of patients were collected retrospectively. The short- and long-term outcomes and prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight patients (18.6%) had viable extrapulmonary metastasis at RFA treatment. The median number of treated lung tumors was 2, and the median maximum diameter was 12 mm. Complications, such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion and subcutaneous emphysema, occurred in 24 (55.8%) patients. Although chest tube drainage for pneumothorax was needed in 6 patients (14.0%), there were no mortalities. Repeated RFA for lung recurrence after primary RFA was performed in 14 patients (32.6%). In a median follow-up of 24.3 months, the median progression-free and overall survival (OS) were 6.8 months and 52.7 months, respectively. The presence of extrapulmonary metastasis and a maximum tumors size of > 15 mm were independently associated with a worse disease-free survival and OS. The OS of patients who underwent repeated RFA was significantly better than that of patients who underwent RFA only once.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided percutaneous RFA for lung metastasis from colorectal cancer is a safe and effective procedure in patients not eligible for surgery, particularly for lesions smaller than 1.5 cm without extrapulmonary metastasis.

Long-term Observation of CT-guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Lung Neoplasm in 476 Consecutive Patients by a Thoracic Surgical Service: A Single-institutional Experience

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the overall survival (OS) rate, progression survival rate, and local control rate over 10 years of medically inoperable patients with lung cancer undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2004 to March 2016, 668 neoplasms were treated in 476 medically inoperable patients (294 men, 60 women; median age 74 years; range 29-84) who underwent CT-guided RFA. All patients had clinical or pathologic evidence of the neoplastic lesion: 22.1% patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 22.3% patients with recurrent NSCLC, 45.2% with metastases, and 10.3% with small cell lung cancer. The mean size of the lesions was 3.8 cm (range of 1-16 cm). Twenty-one lesions were re-treated from one to as many as four times.

RESULTS

The procedure was technically successful in all cases. No procedure-related deaths occurred in the RFA procedures. Major complications consisted in 104 (21.8%) cases of low-grade fever, 46 (9.6%) of the pneumothorax. The mean follow-up was 32 months. The probabilities of 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rate were 98.1%, 86.6%, 68.9% 34.5%, and 9.5% for primary NSCLC; 59.7%, 18.5%, 8%, 3.4%, and 1.5% for metastases; 93.3%, 59.1%, 49.6%, 19.7%, and 0% for recurrence; and 89.4%, 67.5%, 39.1%, 16.5%, and 0% for small cell lung cancer. In primary NSCLC, progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were significantly related to tumor size, but there was no significant difference in recurrent NSCLC, metastasis, and peripheral SCLC. The median OS of metastases of NSCLC was significantly related to nodal or distant metastases. The most common pattern of recurrence was local; any type of recurrence at 1-year follow-up imaging was seen in 7.1% of primary NSCLC diameter less than 3 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience indicates that CT-guided RFA done by the thoracic surgeons is feasible and safe in high-risk patients. Maximum tumor diameter less than 3 cm and lack of extrapulmonary metastasis are all positive prognostic factors of survival after RFA. RFA offers good local control of recurrent NSCLC, lung metastases, and SCLC, also in the long-term period. RFA should continue to offer an alternative option in medically inoperable patients.

Radiofrequency ablation for lung tumors: outcomes, effects on survival, and prognostic factors

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the survival benefit achieved with radiofrequency (RF) ablation of primary and metastatic lung tumors and determine significant prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients with lung cancer (10 primary and 39 metastatic) underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous RF ablation between June 2005 and October 2013. A total of 112 tumors (101 metastatic and 11 primary non-small cell lung cancer) were treated with RF ablation. Tumor diameter ranged from 0.6 to 4 cm (median 1.5 cm). Effectiveness of treatment, complications, and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Primary success rate was 79.5% and local tumor progression occurred in 23 tumors. Among tumors showing progression, 10 were re-treated with RF ablation and secondary success rate was 87.5%. One-, two-, and three-year overall survival rates of 10 patients with primary lung cancer were 100%, 86%, and 43%, respectively. One-, two-, three-, four-, and five-year overall survival rates for 39 patients with metastatic lung tumors were 90%, 73%, 59%, 55%, and 38%, respectively. One-, two-, three-, and four-year overall survival rates for 16 patients with colorectal pulmonary metastases were 94%, 80%, 68%, and 23%, respectively. Complications occurred in 30 sessions (24.6%). Pneumothorax occurred in 19 sessions with seven requiring image-guided percutaneous chest tube drainage. Tumor status (solitary or multiple) and presence of extrapulmonary metastasis at initial RF ablation were significant prognostic factors in terms of recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSION

RF ablation is a safe and effective treatment with a survival benefit for selected patients with primary and secondary lung tumors.

Long-term results of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary metastases: a single institution experience

OBJECTIVES

Surgical resection of pulmonary metastases is considered as a therapeutic procedure in selected cases. However, many patients are unable to tolerate surgical intervention due to comorbidities and/or poor pulmonary reserve, also related to repeated parenchymal resections. Considering this scenario, we decided to investigate the role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

The outcomes of all patients that underwent RFA for lung metastases, during the period 2003-2013, were analysed. The primary end-points were overall survival (OS) and local progression-free survival (LPFS). Secondary end-point was the analysis of possible risk factors affecting OS and LPFS.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine RFAs were performed on 61 patients (38 men, 23 women, median age of 74 years). Fourteen patients were treated for two or more lesions, for a total of 86 lesions. Twelve lesions were treated up to three times. The median lesion diameter was 2 cm. The majority of patients were affected by lung metastases from colorectal cancer (47.5%). All procedures were successfully completed. One death occurred, whereas the morbidity rate was 11% (8% pneumothorax requiring chest drainage). At a median follow-up of 28 months, the 1-, 3-, 5-year OS (LPFS) rates were 94.8% (86.3%), 49.0% (70.3%) and 44.5% (68.3%), respectively. No significant correlation was found, using univariate and multivariate analysis, between OS and age, gender, histology of primary cancer (colon versus others), type of approach (computed tomography versus ultrasonography guidance), number of treated lesions (1 vs >1), disease-free interval (from primary tumour to first lung metastases) (1-35 vs >35 months), previous lung resections (yes versus no), whereas a tendency towards better OS was observed, by applying univariate analysis, for a lesion of <3 cm (P = 0.051) and for the presence of local disease 1 month after treatment (P = 0.056), however, without a statistically significant difference. With regard to LPFS, lesion dimensions (P = 0.005) and the presence of local disease 1 month after treatment (P < 0.001) were found to be significant risk factors, in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

RFA appears as a feasible and safe procedure, with an acceptable morbidity, offering the possibility to safely repeat the treatment on the same lesion. RFA can be considered a valid option for the local control of lung metastases, in patients not eligible for surgery, especially those with lesions smaller than 3 cm.

Determination of a low risk group for having metastatic nodules not detected by computed tomography scan in lung metastases surgery

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, there has been debate regarding the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in the identification of lung metastases and the need for lung palpation to determine the number of metastatic nodules. The aim of this study was to determine in which patients the CT scan was more effective in detecting all metastases.

METHODS

We studied all patients who underwent curative thoracotomy for pulmonary metastasis between 1998 and 2012. All cases were reviewed by two expert pulmonary radiologists before surgery. Statistical analyses were performed using Systat version 13.

RESULTS

The study included 183 patients (63.6% male) with a mean age of 61.7 years who underwent 217 interventions. The CT scan was correct in 185 cases (85.3%). Discrepancies observed: 26 patients (11.9%) with more metastases resected than observed and 6 cases (2.8%) with fewer metastases. In patients with one or two metastases of colorectal origin or a single metastasis of any other origin, the probability of finding extra nodules was 9.5%. In the remaining patients, the probability was 27.8%, with statistically significant differences (P=.001). The mean age of the patients in whom no unobserved nodules were detected was 62.9 years compared to 56.5 years on average in patients who were free from any metastases (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients older than 60 years, with one or two metastases of colorectal origin or a single metastasis from any other origin were considered to be the group with low probability of having more metastases resected than observed.

Hepatic transarterial chemoembolization and retroperitoneal lymph node radiofrequency ablation in the multidisciplinary approach of an overt metastatic leiomyosarcoma

Metastatic leiomyosarcoma has a dismal prognosis, and therapy mainly consists of palliative systemic chemotherapy. A selected subgroup of patients with limited metastatic disease may eventually derive benefit from more aggressive strategies, including resection of isolated metastasis. We report here the successful use of hepatic transarterial chemoembolization and retroperitoneal lymph node radiofrequency ablation in a patient with advanced leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver and retroperitoneum.

[Surgery of lung metastases]

The aim of surgical treatment of lung metastases is to eliminate all known tumoral disease. After a clinical diagnosis of lung metastases, the criteria for selecting patients who are candidates for surgical treatment, the route of access to the thoracic cavity and the technique for metastases resection are not universally defined. Moreover, half of all patients will show recurrence and the advisability of further surgery will have to be reconsidered. The present article discusses aspects related to the oncological and functional limits of surgical resection of lung metastases, preoperative workup, postoperative follow-up, and the surgical approaches and resection techniques.

Lung nodules in pediatric oncology patients: a prediction rule for when to biopsy

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to develop a prediction rule regarding the factors that most accurately predict the diagnosis of a malignancy in a lung nodule in the pediatric oncology patient.

METHODS

A retrospective review of pediatric oncology patients that underwent lung nodule resection between 1998 and 2007 was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to create a prediction rule.

RESULTS

Fifty pediatric oncology patients underwent 21 thoracotomies and 48 thoracoscopies to resect discrete lung nodules seen on computed tomographic scans during workup for metastasis or routine surveillance. The mean nodule size was 10.43 ± 7.08 mm. The most significant predictors of malignancy in a nodule were peripheral location (odds ratio [OR], 9.1); size between 5 and 10 mm (OR, 2.78); location within the right lower lobe (OR, 2.43); and patients with osteosarcoma (OR, 10.8), Ewing sarcoma (OR, 3.05), or hepatocellular carcinoma (OR, 2.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Lesions that are between 5 and 10 mm in size and peripherally located in patients with osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, or hepatocellular carcinoma are most likely to be malignant. Use of a prediction rule can help guide clinical practice by determining which patients should undergo surgical resection of lung nodules and which patients may be closely observed with continued radiologic studies.

American Pediatric Surgical Association New Technology Committee review on video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Although the use of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for children with cancer is being practiced by some, its role remains unclearly defined. The purpose of this review was to describe the current literature on MIS for thoracic and mediastinal lesions in children.

METHODS

We performed a literature search for English studies that evaluated MIS techniques for biopsy or resection in children with suspected or established cancer. Only studies with greater than 20 patients were included in the review.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included for review. Each represented institutional retrospective reviews of experience. Seven were single-institution studies, and 3 were multi-institutional. There were no prospective nor randomized identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on primarily retrospective and observational data, the use of MIS for children with cancer who have pulmonary and mediastinal lesions seems to be effective and safe. Ideally, prospective studies are needed to evaluate this further.

Comparative mutational profiling in the assessment of lung lesions: should it be the standard of care?

BACKGROUND

Discerning primary versus metastatic lung lesions is problematic. Comparative mutational profiling (CMP) involves genetic and point mutation analysis of lesions to facilitate this. We sought to review our experience in cases of two lung lesions or head and neck cancer and lung lesions to determine whether a significantly clinical problem existed, what standard processes were in place to address it, and whether a new diagnostic standard was required.

METHODS

Between January 1, 2007, and October 31, 2008, CMP was used in 24 cases of two lung lesions or a head and neck cancer and lung lesion. Routine hematoxylin and eosin stain examination and immunohistochemistry were performed as appropriate. The CMP involved DNA sequencing for specific oncogene point mutations and a panel of allelic imbalance markers. Metastatic cancer required demonstration of concordant mutations affecting the same allele copy in different cancer deposits.

RESULTS

The patient mean age was 62 years; there were 13 men and 11 women. The cases involved two lung lesions (n = 13) or a head and neck cancer and a lung lesion (n = 11). Standard pathology examination was unable to discriminate the lesions, and they were subsequently differentiated by CMP. Fifteen discordant CMP results were interpreted as independent primaries; 9 cases were concordant, consistent with metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Discerning primary versus metastatic disease when dealing with lung lesions is a clinically significant problem. Comparative mutational profiling was found to be useful and reliable to assess the relatedness of multiple cancer lesions when routine pathology assessment was unable to.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of pulmonary metastases

OBJECTIVES

Surgical resection is the preferred treatment in selected patients with pulmonary metastases. In high-risk patients, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may offer an alternative option. RFA may be used alone or combined with surgical resection as a lung parenchymal-sparing approach. Our objectives were to evaluate the intermediate term outcomes after RFA and to determine the prognostic variables associated with outcome in patients with pulmonary metastases.

METHODS

Thoracic surgeons evaluated and performed RFA under computed tomography (CT) guidance or combined with surgical resection. Patients were monitored in the thoracic surgery clinic for recurrence and survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (10 men, 12 women; median age, 63 years [range, 37 to 88]) underwent RFA. The primary cancer was colorectal in 9 (41%), renal in 2 (9%), sarcoma in 4 (18%), and other in 7 (32%). CT-guided RFA was the sole treatment in 17 patients (77%) and combined with surgical resection in 5 (23%). No procedurally related deaths occurred. At a mean follow-up of 27 months (range, 13.3 to 53.6 months), 9 patients are alive. The median survival was 29 months (95% confidence interval, 9.1 to 33.8). Lesion size was an important prognostic variable associated with overall and disease-free survival (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

RFA is safe in this group of pulmonary metastases patients, with reasonable results. Surgical resection remains the standard for resectable patients, but RFA offers an alternative in selected patients or may be used as a parenchymal-sparing approach in combination with surgical resection in selected patients.

Pulmonary metastasectomy for soft tissue sarcomas: is it justified?

Pulmonary metastases are common in patients following resection for soft tissue sarcoma. Pulmonary resection of metastatic soft tissue sarcomas is widely practiced in surgical oncology. No randomized phase III trials are available, and data for this review were retrieved only from retrospective studies. This article addresses the issues of patient selection, surgical technique, and adjuvant chemotherapy, and provides the surgical oncologist with a current review of pulmonary metastasectomy in metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. In summary, there is a substantial body of evidence demonstrating that resection of soft tissue pulmonary metastases can be performed safely and with a low mortality rate. For a subset of highly selected patients, the overall results of a 5-year actuarial survival rate ranged between 25% and 37.6%. These outcomes exceed those normally associated with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma and are well comparable with surgical resection for other malignancies.

The role of minimal access surgery for metastasectomy and cytoreduction

This article summarizes findings about the applicability of minimal-access techniques for thoracic and upper gastrointestinal cancers, including those affecting the lung, liver, stomach, and adrenal gland. If metastasectomy and cytoreductive surgery are rapidly evolving, minimal-access surgery in this setting is in its introductory stages. Nevertheless, minimal-access metastasectomy and cytoreductive surgery harbor great potential for selected patients, but further clinical studies are needed.

Surgical and Nonsurgical Therapy for Lung Metastasis: Indications and Outcomes

The management of pulmonary metastasis is a broad and multifaceted topic. Because of the filtration function and the favorable microenvironment of the lung, most malignancies cause pulmonary metastases. This article focuses on recent experience with secondary lung malignancies and their newer treatment options, indications, and technical aspects.

[Surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases of colorectal cancers]

INTRODUCTION

Results of a retrospective study of patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomies after colorectal surgery in the last five years are reported here. Prognostic factors are evaluated and analyzed in the context of current literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

37 lung resections were performed in 33 patients between 2001 and 2006, the male:female ratio was 19:14. The average age was 61.3 years (49-76). We analyzed the extent of lung resections, disease free intervals (DFI), laterality of the tumours, number and locations of metastases, lymph node involvements and the incidence of resection of hepatic metastases. Altogether, 20 solitary lung metastases were removed and 17 multiple resections were performed. 25 sublobar resections, 11 lobectomies and one pneumonectomy were carried out. 18 patients had right sided, eight patients had left sided and six patients had bilateral disease. 6 of the 33 patients underwent either synchronous or metachronous liver resection for hepatic metastases.

RESULTS

Survivals were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The average DFI was 27.6 months. When all patients were considered, the average survival was 28 months. 52% of the patients had a 3-year postoperative survival, if lung metastases were present only.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients benefit from surgical removal of lung metastases of colorectal cancer. There were no differences in survival rates between patients who underwent resection of solitary or multiple lung metastases up to seven deposits. However, the average survival was 12 months shorter if hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes were involved. Furthermore, the average survival of six patients with hepatic metastases was 10 months shorter than the rest of the group. There was no benefit of DFI over 24 months. None of the other prognostic factors showed significant difference.

Role of Adjuvant Radiation (External Beam/Brachytherapy) for Stage I NSCLC

There seems to be no role for adjuvant radiation in stage I NSCLC patients treated by lobectomy. Adjuvant brachytherapy in combination with sublobar resection is a promising approach that seems to decrease local recurrence rates similar to that reported following lobectomy. If the results of the current American College of Surgeons Oncology Group randomized trial are favorable, it may be possible in the future to define subgroups of patients with stage I NSCLC who are able to be treated with this approach in preference to lobectomy. Until further data are available, lobectomy should remain the standard of care. RFA is an alternative for the high-risk patient with NSCLC who is considered too high-risk even for sublobar resection. Although long-term results are not yet available, it does seem that local recurrence is a significant problem. In a similar fashion to the approach currently being investigated with sublobar resection, the addition of radiation may improve local control after RFA. In particular, adjuvant stereotactic radiation should be investigated as a potential method of decreasing local recurrence and preserving lung function in these high-risk patients.