A Single-Center 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of Cryoablation for the Management of Desmoid Tumors

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the efficacy and safety of cryoablation in patients with desmoid tumors (DTs) retrospectively over a 10-year period at a single institution.

Materials and Methods

Between February 25, 2010, and February 25, 2020, 25 patients (age, 12–80 years) with 26 lesions (mean preprocedural tumor volume was 237 cm³) were treated over 44 cryoablation procedures. Eleven patients were treated with first-line therapy. Fourteen patients had previous medical therapy, radiotherapy, and/or surgery. Subsequent clinical follow-up, imaging outcomes, and safety were analyzed for technical success, change in total lesion volume (TLV) and viable tumor volume (VTV), modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST), progression-free survival (PFS) for tumor progression and symptom recurrence, symptom improvement, and procedure-related complications. Symptomatic improvement was defined as documentation of relief of pain (partial or complete) and/or functional impairment.

Results

All procedures were technically successful. At 7–12 months, median changes in TLV and VTV were −6.7% (P = .809) and −43.7% (P = .01), respectively. At 10–12 months, the mRECIST responses were complete response, 0%; partial response, 61.5% (8/13); stable disease, 30.8% (4/13); and progressive disease, 7.7% (1/13). The median PFS for tumor progression and symptom recurrence were not reached, with a median follow-up of 15.3 and 21.0 months, respectively. Symptomatic relief (partial or complete) was achieved in 96.9% (32/33) of patients. One major complication was noted (2.4%).

Conclusions

In this retrospectively identified cohort, cryoablation was effective and safe for the local control of extra-abdominal DTs in short-term follow-up.