A phase 1/pilot study of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of recurrent pediatric solid tumors.

Hoffer FA, Daw NC, Xiong X, Anghelescu D, Krasin M, Yan X, Davidoff AM, Furman WL, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Spunt SL., Cancer. 115(6):1328-37. doi: 10.1002/cncr.24158., 2009 Mar 15

Investigators

Xiaowei (Sherry) Yan, PhD, MS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was designed to be the first to evaluate the toxicity of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with recurrent pediatric solid tumors.METHODS: From 2003 through 2008, a phase 1/pilot study of RFA for recurrent pediatric solid tumors was conducted. A multidisciplinary cancer management team selected appropriate candidates for the study. Imaging-guided RFA was performed percutaneously. Repeat RFA was performed for recurrences when appropriate. Toxicity and imaging response was assessed at 1 month and 3 months prospectively. Accrual stopped in 2006, and data collection stopped in 2008.

RESULTS: Sixteen patients (ages 4 years-33 years; median age, 15 years) and 56 tumor sites were treated in 37 RFA sessions including 38 pulmonary, 11 musculoskeletal, and 7 hepatic lesions (82 lesion-treatments). Postprocedural pain was moderate (median 5 on a scale from 1 to 10) and lasted a median of 9 days. Prolonged hospitalization (beyond 1 day) occurred 17 times (range, 2 days-25 days; median, 3 days). Hypoxia supported by supplemental oxygen occurred in 8 of 16 patients and resolved within 1 month after each RFA. No patient had tumor lysis syndrome but myoglobinuria/hemoglobinuria occurred in 6 of 16 patients, all without renal damage. Serious complications from pulmonary RFA included 2 diaphragmatic hernias. Of 82 lesions imaged, 24 (29%) remained ablated at the end of the study.

CONCLUSIONS: The toxicity from RFA of recurrent pediatric solid tumors was real but limited, and RFA may offer a local tumor control alternative in carefully selected cases.

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