Percutaneous imaging-guided cryoablation of oligometastases – a single-center experience

Abstract Purpose Metastasis-directed ablative therapy in oligometastatic disease has been shown to improve long-term survival. Research on minimally invasive procedures is warranted to evaluate treatment efficacy and procedure-related risks. This study evaluates the efficacy, complications, and survival outcomes of metastases-directed percutaneous cryoablation in patients with oligometastatic disease. Methods The retrospective study included patients who underwent percutaneous cryoablation for local tumor control of oligometastases between 2016 and 2022. Eligibility was determined by multidisciplinary team consensus. Clinical data and follow-up imaging were retrieved retrospectively to analyze primary and secondary treatment efficacy, complications, and survival. Results Data from 15 patients with 16 histologically verified metastases were analyzed. Primary tumor origins were kidney, lung, and breast, with metastases located primarily in the kidney and soft tissue. The median metastasis size was 18 mm, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 16. At a median follow-up of 23.6 months (IQR 22.3), the primary efficacy rate was 80%. The secondary efficacy rate at 28.7 months (IQR 26.5) was 93%. Two patients required overnight observation; however, no complications necessitated further interventions. The overall survival rates were 93%, 72%, and 63% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates that percutaneous cryoablation provides effective local tumor control with minimal complications and a three-year survival rate of 63% in patients with oligometastatic disease. Level of evidence Level 4, Case-series. Graphical Abstract