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Treatment of solid tumors by ablation techniques has gained momentum in the recent years due to their technical simplicity and reduced morbidity as juxtaposed to surgery. Cryoablation is one of such techniques, known for its uniqueness to destroy the tumors by freezing to lethal temperatures. Freezing the tumor locally and allowing it to remain unleashes an array of tumor antigens to be exposed to the immune system, paving the way for the generation of anti-tumor immune responses. However, the immune responses triggered in most cases are insufficient to eradicate the tumors with systemic spread. Therefore, combination of cryoablation and immunotherapy is a new treatment strategy currently being evaluated for its efficacy, notably in patients with metastatic disease. This article examines the mechanistic fabric of cryoablation for the generation of an effective immune response against the tumors, and various possibilities of its combination with different immunotherapies that are capable of inducing exceptional therapeutic responses. The combinatorial treatment avenues discussed in this article if explored in sufficient profundity, could reach the pinnacle of future cancer medicine.

Purpose To assess technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the liver venous deprivation (LVD) technique that combines both portal and hepatic vein embolization during the same procedure for liver preparation before major hepatectomy. Materials and methods Seven patients (mean age:63.6y[42-77y]) underwent trans-hepatic LVD for liver metastases (n = 2), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3) and Klatskin tumour (n = 1). Assessment of future remnant liver (FRL) volume, liver enzymes and histology was performed. Results Technical success was 100 %. No complication occurred before surgery. Resection was performed in 6/7 patients. CT-scan revealed hepatic congestion in the venous-deprived area (6/7 patients). A mean of 3 days (range: 1–8 days) after LVD, transaminases increased (AST: from 42 ± 24U/L to 103 ± 118U/L, ALT: from 45 ± 25U/L to 163 ± 205U/L). Twenty-three days (range: 13–30 days) after LVD, FRL increased from 28.2 % (range: 22.4–33.3 %) to 40.9 % (range: 33.6–59.3 %). During the first 7 days, venous-deprived liver volume increased (+13.4 %) probably reflecting vascular congestion, whereas it strongly decreased (-21.3 %) at 3-4 weeks. Histology (embolized lobe) revealed sinusoidal dilatation, hepatocyte necrosis and important atrophy in all patients. Conclusion Trans-hepatic LVD technique is feasible, well tolerated and provides fast and important hypertrophy of the FRL. This new technique needs to be further evaluated and compared to portal vein embolization. Key Points • Twenty-three days after LVD, FRL increased from 28.2 % (range:22.4-33.3 %) to 40.9 % (range:33.6–59.3 %) • During the first 7 days, venous-deprived liver volume increased (+13.4 %) • Venous-deprived liver volume strongly decreased (mean atrophy:229 cc; -21.3 %) at 3-4 weeks • Histology of venous - deprived liver revealed sinusoidal dilatation , hepatocyte necrosis and important atrophy

This study intend to compare the long-term psychological impact (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder) on both partners between patients that underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) and uneventful deliveries. Women who experienced severe PPH treated by UAE in our institution between 2003 and 2013 were identified in our obstetrical database. These cases were matched to controls with uneventful deliveries. Matching criteria were maternal age, parity, ethnicity, year of delivery, birthweight, gestational age and mode of delivery. Patients and their partners completed validated questionnaires measuring post-traumatic stress (TSQ), as well as depression symptoms (MINI). A total of 63 cases of PPH and 189 matched controls (1:3) participated in a study exploring gynecological and obstetrical outcomes. With a mean of 8 years post-index delivery, patients after PPH showed increased risk of depression (p = 0.015) and post-traumatic stress disorder (22.2% versus 4.8%, p < 0.005) compared to controls. PPH remains strongly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, even after adjustment for depression (adjusted odds ratio 5.1; 95% confidence intervals 1.5–17.5). Similarly, partners of patients with PPH showed a propensity to depression (p = 0.029) and post-traumatic stress disorder (11.5% versus 1.5%, p = 0.019). In conclusion, both women and their partners are at increased risk of long-term psychological adverse outcomes after PPH. Couples may benefit from psychological support.

This CIRSE Standards of Practice document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practices for performing liver regeneration therapies prior to major hepatectomies, including portal vein embolization, double vein embolization and liver venous deprivation. It has been developed by an expert writing group under the guidance of the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee. It encompasses all clinical and technical details required to perform liver regeneration therapies, revising the indications, contra-indications, outcome measures assessed, technique and expected outcomes.

In this case control study, long-term gynecological, reproductive and sexual outcomes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) were evaluated. The study was performed in a single referral hospital for PPH in Lausanne from 2003 to 2013. Each woman whose delivery was complicated by PPH and treated by UAE was included, and compared to a control group of women whose delivery was uncomplicated. Cases were matched by maternal age, parity, ethnicity, year and mode of delivery, birth weight and gestational age in a 1–3 ratio. A total of 77 patients treated by UAE for PPH were identified in our obstetrical database. Among them, 63 were included and compared to 189 matched patients (no PPH). The mean interval time between UAE and this study was 8.1 years. Time to menstrual cycle recovery after delivery (3.9 vs 5.6 months, p = 0.66), spotting (7.9% vs 7.2%, p = 0.49), dysmenorrhea (25.4% vs 22.2%, p = 0.60) and amenorrhea (14.3% vs 12.2%, p = 0.66) were similar between the two groups. There was no difference in the FSFI score between the groups (23.2 ± 0.6 vs 23.8 ± 0.4; p = 0.41). However, the interval time to subsequent pregnancy was longer for patients after UAE than the control group (35 vs 18 months, p = 0.002). In case of pregnancy desire, the success rate was lower after UAE compared to controls (55% vs 93.5%, p < 0.001). The rate of PPH was higher in those with previous PPH (6.6% vs 36.4%, p = 0.010). Patients treated by UAE for PPH did not report higher rates of gynecological symptoms or sexual dysfunction compared to patients with uneventful deliveries. The inter-pregnancy interval was increased and the success rate was reduced. In subsequent pregnancies, a higher rate of PPH was observed in those that underwent UAE.

Objectives To compare transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)-related hepatic toxicities of conventional TACE (cTACE) and drug-eluting beads TACE (DEB-TACE) in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods In this retrospective study, 151 consecutive patients undergoing cTACE or DEB-TACE and MRI 3-6 weeks before and after therapy were included. Toxicity was assessed on imaging (global hepatic damages (GHD), overall biliary injuries, biliary cast, bile duct dilatation, intrahepatic biloma, portal thrombosis), and clinico-biological follow-ups. Tumour response, time to progression (TTP), and overall survival were assessed. Factors influencing complication rate were identified by generalized equation logistic regression model. Results Biliary injuries and intrahepatic biloma incidence were significantly higher following DEB-TACE ( p  < 0.001). DEB-TACE showed a significant increased risk of GHD (OR: 3.13 [1.74-5.63], p  < 0.001) and biliary injuries (OR: 4.53 [2.37-8.67], p  < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between baseline prothrombin value and GHD, biliary injuries and intrahepatic biloma (all p  < 0.01), and between the dose of chemotherapy and intrahepatic biloma ( p  = 0.001). Only TTP was significantly shorter following DEB-TACE compared to cTACE ( p  = 0.025). Conclusions DEB-TACE was associated with increased hepatic toxicities compared to cTACE. GHD, biliary injuries, and intrahepatic biloma were more frequently observed with high baseline prothrombin value, suggesting that cTACE might be more appropriate than DEB-TACE in patients with less advanced cirrhosis. Key points • DEB-TACE demonstrated more therapy-related hepatic locoregional complications compared to cTACE . • TACE-related hepatic locoregional toxicities occurred more frequently with high baseline PT value . • cTACE may be more appropriate in patients with high baseline PT value .

Purpose To evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of percutaneous cryoablation (CA) for the treatment of single/oligometastatic lymph-node (LN) relapse in different anatomic regions.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent percutaneous CA of LN metastases (May 2014–April 2019).ResultsEighteen patients with a total of 27 LNs were treated with CT-guided CA (Galil Medical, Israel). One patient was excluded since no follow-up was available. The mean LN diameter was 11 mm (range 4–28 mm). Thirteen patients had a history of previous treatment for locoregional lymphadenopathy. In 21 LNs, a supplementary thermal insulation-displacement technique was used (hydrodissection = 12; carbodissection = 6; both = 3). According to the RECIST criteria, 8 LNs had a complete response, 8 stable disease, 8 partial response and 1 progressive disease. In the subgroup of patients with prostate cancer relapse, the mean PSA level before treatment was 5.5 ngr/ml (range 0.6–36 ngr/ml) and reduced to 0.32 (range 0–1.1 ngr/ml) and 0.3 (range 0–0.6 ngr/ml) at 3- and 6-month follow-up, respectively. Six patients presented distant tumor deposits on follow-up that were further treated with systemic (5 patients: hormone/chemo/immunotherapy) and local therapies (1 patient: CA of bone oligometastatic disease). No major complication was noted. Two patients with obturator LN presented transient obturator nerve paresis. Mean follow-up was 15 months (range 1–56 months).ConclusionIn this series of patients, we have shown that metastatic LNs can be safely treated with image-guided CA. Caution should be paid, and additional measures should be taken when treating LNs near thermal-sensible structures.

We are continuously progressing in our understanding of cancer and other diseases and learned how they can be heterogeneous among patients. Therefore, there is an increasing need for accurate characterization of diseases at the molecular level. In parallel, medical imaging and image-guided therapies are rapidly developing fields with new interventions and procedures entering constantly in clinical practice. Theranostics, a relatively new branch of medicine, refers to procedures combining diagnosis and treatment, often based on patient and disease-specific features or molecular markers. Interventional oncology which is at the convergence point of diagnosis and treatment employs several methods related to theranostics to provide minimally invasive procedures tailored to the patient characteristics. The aim is to develop more personalized procedures able to identify cancer cells, selectively reach and treat them, and to assess drug delivery and uptake in real-time in order to perform adjustments in the treatment being delivered based on obtained procedure feedback and ultimately predict response. Here, we review several interventional oncology procedures referring to the field of theranostics, and describe innovative methods that are under development as well as future directions in the field.

First-line selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) showed promising outcomes in patients with uveal melanoma liver metastases (UMLM). Patient survival depends on liver’s disease control. SIRT planning is essential and little is known about dosimetry. We investigated whether 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT dosimetry could predict absorbed doses (AD) evaluated on 90 Y-PET/CT and assess the dose–response relationship in UMLM patients treated with first-line SIRT. This IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective analysis (prospectively collected cohort) included 12 patients (median age 63y, range 43–82). Patients underwent MRI/CT, 18 F-FDG-PET/CT before and 3–6 months post-SIRT, and 90 Y-PET/CT immediately post-SIRT. Thirty-two target lesions were included. AD estimates in tumor and non-tumor liver were obtained from 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT and post-SIRT 90 Y-PET/CT, and assessed with Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients ( ρ c and C b ), Pearson’s coefficient correlation ( ρ ), and Bland–Altman analyses (mean difference ± standard deviation; 95% limits-of-agreement (LOA)). Influence of tumor characteristics and microsphere type on AD was analyzed. Tumor response was assessed according to size-based, enhancement-based and metabolic response criteria. Mean target lesion AD was 349 Gy (range 46–1586 Gy). Concordance between 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT and 90 Y-PET/CT tumor dosimetry improved upon dose correction for the recovery coefficient (RC) ( ρ  = 0.725, ρ c  = 0.703, C b  = 0.969) with good agreement (mean difference: − 4.93 ± 218.3 Gy, 95%LOA: − 432.8–422.9). Without RC correction, concordance was better for resin microspheres ( ρ  = 0.85, ρ c  = 0.998, C b  = 0.849) and agreement was very good between predictive 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT and 90 Y-PET/CT dosimetry (mean difference: − 4.05 ± 55.9 Gy; 95%LOA: − 113.7–105.6). After RC correction, 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT dosimetry overestimated AD (− 70.9 ± 158.9 Gy; 95%LOA: − 382.3–240.6). For glass microspheres, concordance markedly improved with RC correction ( ρ  = 0.790, ρ c  = 0.713, C b  = 0.903 vs without correction: ρ  = 0.395, ρ c  = 0.244, C b  = 0.617) and 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT dosimetry underestimated AD (148.9 ± 267.5 Gy; 95%LOA: − 375.4–673.2). For non-tumor liver, concordance was good between 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT and 90 Y-PET/CT dosimetry ( ρ  = 0.942, ρ c  = 0.852, C b  = 0.904). 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT slightly overestimated liver AD for resin (3.4 ± 3.4 Gy) and glass (11.5 ± 13.9 Gy) microspheres. Tumor AD was not correlated with baseline or post-SIRT lesion characteristics and no dose–response threshold could be identified. 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT/CT dosimetry provides good estimates of AD to tumor and non-tumor liver in UMLM patients treated with first-line SIRT.

The emergence of ablative therapies has revolutionized the treatment of inoperable solid tumors. Cryoablation stands out for its uniqueness of operation based on hypothermia, and for its ability to unleash the native tumor antigens, resulting in the generation of anti-tumor immune responses. It is not clearly understood how alterations in the rate of freeze impact the immune response outcomes. In this study, we tested fast freeze and slow freeze rates for their locoregional effectiveness and their ability to elicit immune responses in a B16F10 mouse model of melanoma. Tumor bearing mice treated with fast freeze protocol survived better than the ones treated with slow freeze protocol. Fast freeze resulted in a higher magnitude of CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell responses, and a significantly extended survival post re-challenge. Thus, fast freeze rate should be applied in any future studies employing cryoablation as an in vivo vaccination tool in conjunction with targeted immunotherapies.