Percutaneous Treatments of Benign Bone Tumors

Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence guided surgery using indocyanine green (ICG) may aid the surgical removal of benign bone and soft tissue tumours

BACKGROUND

Benign bone and soft tissue tumours encompass a broad, heterogenous range of tumours with varying clinical characteristics. These are often managed surgically with either curettage or marginal excision, but unfortunately have high rates of local recurrence. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye which can be used to identify solid malignancies intraoperatively but its use is not yet established in benign bone and soft tissue tumours. This study aims to assess whether these tumours fluoresce when administered with ICG pre-operatively and whether this helps surgeons to identify tumour intra-operatively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with locally aggressive benign bone and soft tissue tumours were administered with 25-75 mg of ICG preoperatively at the induction of anaesthesia. Fluorescence was imaged intraoperatively using the Stryker SPY-PHI camera.

RESULTS

Of the 12 patients included, 11 tumours fluoresced. The surgeons felt the fluorescence guided the procedure in 7 out of the 11 cases which fluoresced. It was felt to be particularly useful in the curettage of bone tumours, in which curettage could be repeated until the absence of fluorescence on imaging. After 12 months, no patients had local recurrence of the tumour. There were no adverse events recorded in this study and surgeons found the technology acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ICG for fluorescence guided surgery is a promising technology to improve outcomes of surgery for benign bone and soft tissue tumours. Further, longer term, study with a control arm is needed to identify whether it results in a reduction in the local recurrence rate.

High-intensity focused ultrasound-a needleless management for osteoid osteoma: a systematic review

Osteoid osteoma is one of the most frequent benign musculoskeletal neoplasm. Radiofrequency ablation is the method of choice for non-conservative treatment of osteoid osteoma. Recently, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been proposed as a safer option. The objective of this study is to review the efficacy and side effects of HIFU in the management of osteoid osteoma. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Clinical Key until June 30, 2022. Demographic data, baseline characteristics, success rates, pre- and post-procedure pain scores, recurrences, and complications were recorded. Eleven studies were included in this systematic review. Pooled analysis that involved 186 subjects resulted in an overall success rate of 91.94%. Recurrence was reported in two studies, in which it occurred in 4/177 (2.26%) subjects. Skin burn was found in 1 (0.54%) patients. No major or other complications were reported. Three studies compared the success rate of HIFU and RFA. Success rate was slightly higher in the RFA group with insignificant difference (p = 0.15). High-intensity focused ultrasound showed promising results. It offers a safer treatment approach for osteoid osteoma, especially in children, and can be considered for recalcitrant cases after RFA. Nonetheless, more studies are expected in the future.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of a presumed enchondroma in the flat bones of the pelvis

Herein, a 30-year-old Caucasian female who presented with a persistent pain in the right pelvic region due to an enchondroma and treated with RF ablation is described. An initial MRI of the pelvis revealed a well-circumscribed lesion in the right inferior ischiopubic ramus with a maximum diameter of 9.5 mm. The final diagnosis was established by a percutaneous CT-guided bone biopsy, which excluded malignancy and revealed an enchondroma. About a month after the biopsy, a percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lesion was performed. The symptoms resolved completely gradually 2 months after the treatment and a follow-up imaging with MRI showed complete resolution of the pathological enhancement indicating necrosis of the lesion. RFA has not been previously reported as a treatment option of enchondromas found in flat bones of the pelvis and could be a safe alternative minimally invasive treatment option in such cases, avoiding major operations.

Musculoskeletal oncology and thermal ablation: the current and emerging role of interventional radiology

The role of interventional radiology (IR) is expanding. With new techniques being developed and tested, this radiology subspecialty is taking a step forward in different clinical scenarios, especially in oncology. Musculoskeletal tumoral diseases would definitely benefit from a low-invasive approach that could reduce mortality and morbidity in particular. Thermal ablation through IR has already become important in the palliation and consolidation of bone metastases, oligometastatic disease, local recurrences, and treating specific benign tumors, with a more tailored approach, considering the characteristics of every patient. As image-guided ablation techniques lower their invasiveness and increase their efficacy while the collateral effects and complications decrease, they become more relevant and need to be considered in patient care pathways and clinical management, to improve outcomes. We present a literature review of the different percutaneous and non-invasive image-guided thermal ablation methods that are currently available and that could in the future become relevant to manage musculoskeletal oncologic diseases.

Emerging Indications for Interventional Oncology: Expert Discussion on New Locoregional Treatments

Interventional oncology (IO) employs image-guided techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures, providing lower-risk alternatives to many traditional medical and surgical therapies for cancer patients. Since its advent, due to rapidly evolving research development, its role has expanded to encompass the diagnosis and treatment of diseases across multiple body systems. In detail, interventional oncology is expanding its role across a wide spectrum of disease sites, offering a potential cure, control, or palliative care for many types of cancer patients. Due to its widespread use, a comprehensive review of the new indications for locoregional procedures is mandatory. This article summarizes the expert discussion and report from the "MIOLive Meet SIO" (Society of Interventional Oncology) session during the last MIOLive 2022 (Mediterranean Interventional Oncology Live) congress held in Rome, Italy, integrating evidence-reported literature and experience-based perceptions. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated review of the new techniques and devices available for innovative indications not only to residents and fellows but also to colleagues approaching locoregional treatments.

Percutaneous Curettage and Local Autologous Cancellous Bone Graft: A Simple and Efficient Method of Treatment for Benign Bone Cysts

BACKGROUND

Several treatment modalities have been reported to minimize the recurrence after surgical treatment of benign bone cysts. In this study, we evaluated local tumor control, recurrence rate, and bone healing of benign bone cysts after treatment with a simple technique, percutaneous curettage and a local autologous cancellous bone graft.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the records of 16 patients diagnosed with benign bone cysts between 2003 and 2010. We documented the demographic data, radiographic signs of healing (progressive decrease in radiolucency, remineralisation, ossification, consolidation of the cyst, and reconstitution of the bone), healing rate, postoperative complications, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Seven of the 16 patients (43.75%) were diagnosed with a simple bone cyst (SBC), while nine (56.25%) had an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). On average, radiographic signs of healing were present within 3-6 months, but in two patients these signs presented after 16 months. During the follow-up period, there was no difference in the healing rate between patients with SBC and ABC; no signs of deep or superficial wound infection, no postoperative fracture, and no recurrence in any case over an average of 6.3 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of benign bone cysts (SBC/ABC) with minimally invasive percutaneous curettage and a local autologous cancellous bone graft is a simple and effective modality with a promising outcome in the local control of recurrence and in enhancing bony consolidation.

Management of Osteoblastoma and Giant Osteoid Osteoma with Percutaneous Thermoablation Techniques

Osteoblastoma (OB) is a rare, benign bone tumor, accounting for 1% of all primary bone tumors, which occurs usually in childhood and adolescence. OB is histologically and clinically similar to osteoid osteoma (OO), but it differs in size. It is biologically more aggressive and can infiltrate extraskeletal tissues. Therapy is required because of severe bone pain worsening at night. Moreover, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not a reasonable long-term treatment option in young patients. Surgical excision, considered the gold standard in the past, is no longer attractive today due to its invasiveness and the difficulty in performing a complete resection. The treatment of choice is currently represented by percutaneous thermoablation techniques. Among these, Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered the gold standard treatment, even when the lesions are located in the spine. RFA is a widely available technique that has shown high efficacy and low complication rates in many studies. Other percutaneous thermoablation techniques have been used for the treatment of OB, including Cryoablation (CA) and laser-ablation (LA) with high success rates and low complications. Nevertheless, their role is limited, and further studies are necessary.

Aneurysmal bone cysts in the spine, causing neurological compromise: safety and clinical efficacy of sclerotherapy utilizing sodium Tetradecyl sulfate foam

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical efficacy, technical feasibility, and safety profile of percutaneous sclerotherapy utilizing sodium tetradecyl-sulfate foam (STS) as a first-line treatment strategy for aggressive spinal aneurysmal bone cysts (sABCs) presenting with neurological compromise.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2013 and September 2019, eight consecutive patients (5 males; 3 females; mean age 22±17, range 7-52) underwent fluoroscopic/CT-guided intraosseous sclerotherapy for sABCs. Pain and/or neurological compromise was the primary indications. Procedural data, complications, imaging, and clinical results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all cases. Mean procedure time was 25±15 min (range 6-167); 1 to 5 repeat treatment cycles (mean 3.7±1.2) utilizing a mean 2.6mls±1.3 (range 1-6) of agitated 3% STS, with a DLP mean dose of 158±91 mGy*cm (range 62-331) per procedure. One reported a minor complication (pain), but no significant complications. Two patients had persistent neurological deficit due to cord compression despite successful sclerotherapy, requiring surgical resection (and were thereby excluded from the final outcome analysis). The remaining six patients demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor volume (p = 0.028), pain (p = 0.027), and SINS (spinal instability neoplastic score) (p = 0.027) at up to 5 years of follow-up (mean 20 ± 16.7, range 7-51 months).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous sclerotherapy with STS is a minimally invasive, technically feasible, safe, and effective first-line treatment for primary sABCs causing pain and neurological compromise, alleviating the need for extensive surgery. It is most effective with three or more treatment cycles, in patients with higher SINS, pain scores, or tumor volumes at the initial presentation.

Cystic Echinococcosis of the Ilium Treated with Curettage and Microwave Thermoablation Followed by Bone Cement Installation: A Novel Treatment Technique for a Rare Disease

Bone cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a rare condition requiring a high level of suspicion during primary diagnosis. Wide excision of the lesion is the gold standard of treatment, posing however extreme challenges in certain parts of the skeleton, since it may well be accompanied by increased morbidity. We report the case of a 35-year-old Caucasian female with iliac bone CE, referred to our department (a regional referral center for the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal tumors). The patient reported gradually increasing dull pain at the right iliac fossa and antalgic gait, with an onset of approximately 5 years before her referral. Bone CE diagnosis was established based on physical examination, imaging studies, and two subsequent CT-guided core needle biopsies, performed within a period of 3 months, of which the second was diagnostic. Following a musculoskeletal tumor multidisciplinary meeting, it was decided that the optional treatment was the surgical removal of the cyst. Aiming to minimize the morbidity accompanying a wide resection of the lesion, we performed extended curettage of the lesion through a typical iliac spine approach, followed by microwave ablation of the walls of the remaining bone cavity. The remaining iliac defect was treated with the installation of polymethyl methacrylate bone cement. The patient reported immediate remission of symptoms postoperatively and was able to return to everyday activities two weeks postoperatively. She began oral treatment with albendazole on the 7th postoperative day. She remained symptom-free for a period of 25 months, until she developed a seroma at the gluteal area, which was treated with simple drainage. On her latest follow-up six months later, she remained symptom-free and was able to perform all her previous activities. Microwave ablation may serve as a useful adjuvant modality when treating patients with bone CE, in order to prevent relapse of the disease.

Imaging-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma in typical and atypical sites: Long term follow up

Purpose

To assess efficacy and safety of imaging-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Osteoid Osteoma (OO) in both typical and atypical sites.

Methods and materials

Between January 2014 and March 2019, 102 consecutive percutaneous RFA were performed and retrospectively reviewed. The procedures were performed using a RFA bipolar ablation system (Covidien, exposed tip of 0.7-1cm), under Computed Tomography (CT) guidance or using a navigation system (Masmec) under CT and Cone Beam CT (CBCT) guidance. Patients were followed up over 24 months. Clinical success and recurrences were considered on the base of established criteria. In patients with clinical failure and/or imaging evidence of relapse, retreatment was considered.

Results

Administered power per-procedure was ≤8 W (mean temperature, 90°C). The pre-procedure average value of visual analog scale (VAS) was 8.33+/-0.91. Primary and secondary success rate 96.08% (98/102) and100% (102/102), respectively. No major complication was described. Technical success was proved in every patient by CT scan acquisition after needle positioning. Relapse and tumour location were significantly correlated (p-value = 0.0165). The mean dose-length product was 751.55 mGycm2. Advanced bone healing was noted in 68 lesions after 1y-follow up and in 86 lesions after 2y-follow up.

Conclusion

Imaging-guided percutaneous RFA is a highly effective technique for OO, both in typical and atypical sites. CT or CBCT guidance, navigation systems and operator experience grant the technical success, which is the most crucial parameter affecting outcome.

Image-guided Cryotherapy for Musculoskeletal Tumors

BACKGROUND

This article represents a review of the use of image-guided cryotherapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal tumor lesions. Cryotherapy is able to induce a lethal effect on cancer cells through direct and indirect mechanisms. In this manuscript, we combined our experience with that of other authors who have published on this topic in order to provide indications on when to use cryotherapy in musculoskeletal oncology.

DISCUSSION

Image-Guided percutaneous cryotherapy is a therapeutic method now widely accepted in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal tumors. It can be used both for palliative treatments of metastatic bone lesions and for the curative treatment of benign bone tumors, such as osteoid osteoma or osteoblastoma. In the treatment of bone metastases, cryotherapy plays a major role in alleviating or resolving disease-related pain, but it has also been demonstrated that it can have a role in local disease control. In recent years, the use of cryotherapy has also expanded for the treatment of both benign and malignant soft tissue tumors.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous cryotherapy can be considered a safe and effective technique in the treatment of benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors. Cryotherapy can be considered the first option in benign tumor lesions, such as osteoid osteoma, and a valid alternative to radiofrequency ablation. In the treatment of painful bone metastases, it must be considered secondarily to other standard treatments (radiotherapy, bisphosphonate therapy, and chemotherapy) when they are no longer effective in controlling the disease or when they cannot be repeated (for example, radiotherapy).

Full-Endoscopic Resection of Osteoid Osteoma in the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report

Common symptoms such as axial pain or nocturnal pain, associated with warning signs that are often worrisome in addition to nonspecific radiological findings, can characterize benign lesions in the spine, and osteoid osteoma is among them. We describe here a clinical case of a pediatric patient with an expansive bone lesion in the thoracic spine discovered after investigation for thoracic pain, mainly at night, which, despite a good response to simple analgesics, evolved in the short term with global spinal deformity. After a multidisciplinary evaluation, she underwent surgical resection using a pioneering endoscopic technique that allowed the definitive anatomopathological diagnosis of osteoid osteoma and guaranteeing very satisfactory treatment and evolution. Although there are already several therapeutic techniques described and with good results in specific cases of osteoid osteomas and other benign neoplastic lesions of the spine, full-endoscopic resection appears as an innovative and potentially promising option for diagnosis and treatment, especially since it is a safe, effective, and not too morbid intervention.

Percutaneous microwave ablation of bone tumors: a systematic review

AIM

To systematically review microwave ablation (MWA) protocols, safety, and clinical efficacy for treating bone tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science database. Data concerning patient demographics, tumor characteristics, procedure, complications, and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Seven non-comparative studies (6 retrospective, 1 prospective) were included accounting for 249 patients and 306 tumors (244/306 [79.7%] metastases; 25/306 [8.2%] myelomas, and 37/306 [12.1%] osteoid osteomas [OO]). In malignant tumors, MWA power was 30-70 W (except in one spinal tumors series where a mean power of 13.3 W was used) with pooled mean ablation time of 308.3 s. With OO, MWA power was 30-60 W with mean ablation time of 90-102 s. Protective measures were very sporadically used in 5 studies. Additional osteoplasty was performed in 199/269 (74.0%) malignant tumors. Clinically significant complications were noted in 10/249 (4.0%) patients. For malignant tumors, estimated pain reduction on the numerical rating scale was 5.3/10 (95% confidence intervals [95%CI] 4.6-6.1) at 1 month; and 5.3/10 (95% CI 4.3-6.3) at the last recorded follow-up (range 20-24 weeks in 4/5 studies). For OO, at 1-month follow-up, effective pain relief was noted in 92.3-100% of patients.

CONCLUSION

MWA is effective in achieving pain relief at short- (1 month) and mid-term (4-6 months) for painful OO and malignant bone tumors, respectively. Although MWA seems safe, further prospective studies are warranted to further assess this aspect, and to standardize MWA protocols.

KEY POINTS

• Large heterogeneity exists across literature about ablation protocols used with microwave ablation applied for the treatment of benign and malignant bone tumors. • Although microwave ablation of bone tumors appears safe, further studies are needed to assess this aspect, as current literature does not allow definitive conclusions. • Nevertheless, microwave ablation is effective in achieving pain relief at short- (1 month) and mid-term (4-6 months) for painful osteoid osteomas and malignant bone tumors, respectively.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of osteoid osteoma: utility of the dark rim sign

BACKGROUND

While typical patterns of osteoid osteoma have been described on CT, MRI findings can overlap among different diseases, and atypical patterns exist. In this study, we assessed the presence of a novel dark rim sign and its utility in the MRI diagnosis of osteoid osteoma.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the utility of the dark rim sign seen on MRI in children with osteoid osteoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MRI studies from 36 pediatric patients with osteoid osteoma and a control group of patients with either osteomyelitis or stress fracture were analyzed and then compared for the presence of the dark rim sign. Patients from the osteoid osteoma group were further divided based on nidus location and evaluated for the presence of the dark rim sign.

RESULTS

The relationship between the dark rim sign and osteoid osteoma was statistically significant (P<0.001). A dark rim sign was identified in 25 of the 36 patients with osteoid osteoma. None of the control patients had a dark rim sign. The dark rim sign had 69.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 72.5% negative predictive value for detecting osteoid osteoma. The relationship between dark rim sign and nidus location was statistically significant (P<0.001) such that endosteal and medullary osteoid osteomas were more likely to have a dark rim sign than intracortical osteoid osteomas.

CONCLUSION

When the nidus of an osteoid osteoma is in an endosteal or medullary location, the dark rim sign may aid in the diagnosis.

French Multidisciplinary Approach for the Treatment of MSK Tumors

Several interventional treatments have recently been integrated into the therapeutic armamentarium available for the treatment of bone tumors. In some scenarios (e.g., osteoid osteoma), interventional treatments represent the sole and definitive applied treatment. Due to the absence of widely shared protocols and the complex multivariate scenarios underlying the clinical presentation of the remaining bone tumors including metastases, therapeutic strategies derived from a multidisciplinary tumor board are essential to provide effective treatments tailored to each patient. In the present review, we present the multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies commonly adopted for the most frequent bone tumors.

MR Imaging of Osteoid Osteoma: Pearls and Pitfalls

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a benign bone neoplasm consisting of a central prostaglandin-secreting nidus surrounded by a zone of reactive sclerosis. The diagnosis is suspected in children and young adults with longstanding nighttime pain that is relieved by salicylates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Early studies suggested that computed tomography had a higher sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of OO compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More recent literature suggests MRI done with dynamic postcontrast imaging to be equal to or slightly better at detecting the nidus of OOs, particularly the ones in atypical locations. Being able to evaluate for OO utilizing MRI is important given that the majority of these lesions occur in younger patients, in whom there is greater concern to limit ionizing radiation. Furthermore, patients with atypical OOs often receive an MRI if radiographs are not suggestive of the diagnosis. Therefore, it is important for radiologists to be aware of the imaging features that can help make the diagnosis on MRI.

Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Osteoblastoma

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this observational study was to assess safety and clinical outcomes of percutaneous image-guided cryoablation (CA) to treat osteoblastomas (OBs) at various osseous sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective search was performed to identify patients presenting with painful OBs who underwent CA at the University Hospitals of Strasbourg between March 2007 and December 2018. Ten patients (seven men, three women; median age, 21 years old) were identified and included. Medical records were reviewed to assess complications and clinical outcomes. RESULTS. Median OB diameter was 16.5 mm (range, 16-28 mm). OBs were located in the spine (n = 7), calcaneus (n = 1), fibula (n = 1), and third metacarpal bone (n = 1). In 90% of cases (n = 9), one or more critical structures were within 1 cm of the OB (median distance, 5 mm; range, 2-8 mm), thus requiring extensive protective measures. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Two (20%) immediate neural complications were noted. One major complication was consistent with a permanent sensory deficit of the arm. One minor complication was consistent with a transient right Horner syndrome, which completely resolved after 48 hours with high-dose steroids. Median clinical follow-up was 12 months. Primary clinical success was 100% and 78% at 1 and 12 months of follow-up, respectively, with two patients presenting with recurring pain. CONCLUSION. Percutaneous image-guided CA represents an effective therapeutic option for patients affected by painful OBs; the safety profile of the procedure is acceptable as long as comprehensive protective measures are deployed in light of the frequent close proximity of critical structures.