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Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a noninvasive, incisionless, radiation-free technology used to ablate tissue deep within the body. This technique has gained increased popularity following FDA approval for treatment of pain related to bone metastases and limited approval for treatment of osteoid osteoma. MRgFUS delivers superior visualization of soft tissue targets in unlimited imaging planes and precision in targeting and delivery of thermal dose which is all provided during real-time monitoring using MR thermometry. This paper provides an overview of the common musculoskeletal applications of MRgFUS along with updates on clinical outcomes and discussion of future applications.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) induces cell death through electroporation using ultrarapid electrical pulses. We sought to compare the procedural efficiency characteristics, safety, and efficacy of ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using PFA compared with thermal energy ablation. METHODS: We performed an extensive literature search and systematic review of studies that compared ablation of AF with PFA versus thermal energy sources. Risk ratio (RR) 95% confidence intervals (CI) were measured for dichotomous variables and mean difference (MD) 95% CI were measured for continuous variables, where RR

The management of adenomyosis has undergone significant evolution, moving from traditional surgical interventions like hysterectomy to more conservative methods aimed at preserving fertility. Essential roles have been played by uterine-sparing surgeries and uterine artery embolization. Despite these advancements, there is a growing interest in less invasive alternatives. This review delves into the potential of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU employs focused ultrasound waves for precise ablation of adenomyotic lesions. The review conducts a thorough analysis of HIFU principles, safety, efficacy, and its possible synergies with other therapies. HIFU seems to be effective for adenomyosis treatment, demonstrating a favorable adverse effect profile and suitability for fertility preservation. Combining HIFU with hormonal treatment appears to enhance long-term symptom control, presenting a promising and comprehensive approach for managing adenomyosis. The goal of this article is to develop a comprehensive understanding of HIFU's role in contemporary adenomyosis management and to explore areas requiring further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of local management of pulmonary metastases on the disease course of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer is poorly assessed. REPULCO database was a retrospective cohort on 18 years that included all patients treated for lung metastases from colorectal cancer who received local and/or systemic treatments. Primary objective was overall survival, secondary were progression-free survival and survival without chemotherapy. Three hundred and fifteen patients were analyzed, 157 with only systemic treatments, 78 with only local treatments, and 80 with local and systemic treatments. Overall survival at 5 years was 26.9% (IC95%: [17.7–36.9]) for systemic treatments only, 61.0% (IC95%: [40.8–76.1]) for local treatments only, and 77.8% (IC95%: [60.1–88.3]) for local and systemic treatments. Progression-free survival at 2 years was 4.8% (IC95%: [2.1–9.2]) for systemic treatment only, 28.3% (IC95%: [17.7–39.9]) for local treatments only, and 21.8% (IC95%: [13.1–31.9]) for local and systemic treatments. Median survival without chemotherapy was 2.99 months (IC95%: [2.33–3.68]) for systemic treatments, 33.97 months (IC95%: [19.06-NA]) for local treatments, and 12.85 months (IC95%: [8.18–21.06]) for local and systemic treatments. Local treatments of lung metastasis led to prolonged survival and allowed long periods of time without chemotherapy in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Literature shows differences in pain experiences between sexes. The exact influence of thermal liver ablation on experienced pain is still not well-known. This study aims to investigate the maximum pain intensity at the recovery between men and women after percutaneous thermal liver ablation. Methods: Patients treated with percutaneous thermal liver ablation (radiofrequency or microwave ablation) in Maastricht University Medical Center + between 2018 and 2022 for primary or secondary liver tumors were included retrospectively. Outcomes included maximum numerical rating scale (NRS, scale:0–10) score at the recovery room, prevalence of post-procedural pain (defined as NRS score ≥ 4), duration of anesthesia, length of stay at recovery, and complications. Regression analyses were adjusted for age, ASA-score, BMI, tumor type, maximum diameter of lesion, chronic pain in patients' history, and history of psychological disorder. Results: 183 patients were included of which 123 men (67%). Results showed higher average maximum NRS scores in women patients compared to men (mean:3.88 versus 2.73), but not after adjustments (aß:0.75, 95%CI:−0.13–1.64). Women suffered more from acute post-procedural pain (59% versus 35%; aOR:2.50, 95%CI:1.16–5.39), and needed analgesics more often at the recovery room (aOR:2.43, 95%CI:1.07–5.48) compared to men. NRS score at recovery arrival did not significantly differ (aß:0.37, 95%CI:-0.48–1.22). No differences were seen in the length of stay at the recovery, duration of anesthesia, procedure time, and complication rate. Location of the tumor (subcapsular or deep), total tumors per patient, and distinction between primary and secondary tumors had no influence on the NRS. Conclusion: This retrospective single-center study shows higher post-procedural pain rates after thermal liver ablation in women, resulting in higher analgesics use at the recovery room. The results suggest considering higher dosage of analgesics during thermal liver ablation in women to reduce post-procedural pain. Level of Evidence 3: Non-controlled retrospective cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of "oligometastatic" disease suggests the presence of intermediate states between localized disease and widespread metastases, which may be potentially treatable with curative therapeutic strategies. Metastases local therapy (MLT) can be accomplished through various techniques such as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation, or surgical metastasectomy. The incorporation of MLT in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with metastatic sarcoma is complex. Retrospective studies support consideration of MLT for selected patients based on factors such as patient condition, disease biology, histologic type, and disease burden. Decisions regarding type and timing of MLT should be made after multidisciplinary discussion including radiation oncologists, surgical and orthopedic oncologists, medical oncologists, and interventional radiology to explore all options before treatment decsions. All MLT techniques have advantages and disadvantages and should be performed in centers specialized in the care of complex oncology patients where various options can be explored concurrently or sequentially for each patient. Future studies evaluating quality of life and patient-reported outcomes are necessary to adequately align patient goals and optimal outcomes. This article reviews the medical scenarios that may benefit the use of MLT, evaluates the distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with these various techniques, and analyzes the findings from pivotal series to provide a comprehensive understanding of its role in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Recent statistics estimate 1.8 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year. Despite significant advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the 5‐year survival rate remains at just 18%. Thermal ablation is an established treatment that is safe and effective. It refers to the local application of controlled heat to induce irreversible cell injury and ultimately tumor apoptosis and necrosis. This approach is particularly suitable for the treatment of small tumors in patients who are not suitable for surgery. However, the lack of suitable benchtop models to assess ablation devices complicates prognostic prediction and the development of effective treatment strategies. In this context, the development of a 3D lung tumor model is presented using a cancer cell‐laden hydrogel composed of 2% hyaluronic acid–tyramine (HA‐TA) and 0.5% agarose, resulting in a tumor mimetic of clinically relevant size. This innovative model provides a valuable platform for testing ablation devices and provides insights that can significantly improve prognostic ability and refine treatment approaches for lung cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and background: Thermal ablation, a technique that destroys precancerous cervical cells by extreme heat or cold, is predominantly used as a preventive cervical cancer treatment modality in high-income countries. Compared to other treatment methods thermal ablation has numerous advantages in its portability, minimal electricity use and comparable treatment rates, which is convenient for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, it is important to understand acceptability among providers and clients and the feasibility of achieving comparable treatment outcomes with other methods in LMICs. Methodology: We conducted a prospective longitudinal, open-label two-arm study from June 2021 to April 2022 at seven health delivery points. In this study, 182 clients were enrolled to receive preventive cancer treatment at baseline and followed up 6 months later to measure treatment outcomes and experiences on the procedure. Eligible consented clients were elected to a preferred method (either thermal ablation as an intervention or cryotherapy as a control group). We also conducted qualitative interviews with 14 service providers in either static or outreach settings. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the efficacy was comparable among the two groups, 96.5% (95% CI 86.7%-99.1%) clients in the intervention group had successful lesion treatment rate compared to 80.8% (95% CI 69.9%-99.1%) of the control group. Furthermore, 99% of clients in the intervention group would recommend thermal ablation to their family members or peers. Service providers preferred thermal ablation due to its ease of use, lower costs, portability and lower likelihood of adverse events compared to cryotherapy. Conclusion: The study showed the feasibility of implementing thermal ablation as a new preventive cervical cancer treatment modality in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, service providers indicated their preference for thermal ablation due to its ease of use, portability at static settings and lower likelihood of adverse events occurrence. Therefore, we recommend scaling up thermal ablation both at static and outreach sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop and validate a prediction model utilizing clinical and ultrasound (US) data for preoperative assessment of efficacy following US-guided thermal ablation (TA) in patients with benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) ≥ 2 cm. We retrospectively assessed 962 patients with 1011 BTNs who underwent TA at four tertiary centers between May 2018 and July 2022. Ablation efficacy was categorized into therapeutic success (volume reduction rate [VRR] > 50%) and non-therapeutic success (VRR ≤ 50%). We identified independent factors influencing the ablation efficacy of BTNs ≥ 2 cm in the training set using multivariate logistic regression. On this basis, a prediction model was established. The performance of model was further evaluated by discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]) in the validation set. Of the 1011 nodules included, 952 (94.2%) achieved therapeutic success at the 12-month follow-up after TA. Independent factors influencing VRR > 50% included sex, nodular composition, calcification, volume, and largest diameter (all p < 0.05). The prediction equation was established as follows: p = 1/1 + Exp∑[8.113 −2.720 × (if predominantly solid) −2.790 × (if solid) −1.275 × (if 10 mL < volume ≤ 30mL) −1.743 × (if volume > 30 mL) −1.268 × (if with calcification) −2.859 × (if largest diameter > 3 cm) +1.143 × (if female)]. This model showed great discrimination, with AUC of 0.908 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.868–0.947) and 0.850 (95% CI: 0.748–0.952) in the training and validation sets, respectively. A clinical prediction model was successfully developed to preoperatively predict the therapeutic success of BTNs larger than 2 cm in size following US-guided TA. This model aids physicians in evaluating treatment efficacy and devising personalized prognostic plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the potentially catastrophic risks to human survival is the impact of a meteorite on Earth. When a meteoroid enters the atmosphere at an ultra-high speed, a series of complex evolution processes occur, mainly including ablation, fragmentation, airburst, and ground impact. This paper proposes a new systematic dynamical method for simulating the entire process of a meteoroid entering the atmosphere. In the new method, the DEM (Discrete Element Method) model is utilized to describe the initial structure and shape of a rubble-pile meteoroid. A combination of an aerodynamic trajectory model, a thermal ablation model, and an airburst model is introduced to simulate the entry process. Particularly, the Jone-Wilkins-Lee state equation is employed to characterize the large-scale airburst phenomenon caused by the internal expansion of the meteoroid. Referring to the observational data of the Chelyabinsk meteorite event, this paper parametrically simulates the trajectories, ablation, fragmentation, and airburst, and predicts the strewn field of different-shaped meteoroids. Compared with existing debris cloud models, this method considers the shape effect of rubble-pile meteoroids and can obtain the strewn field as a side effect. Numerical validation is carried out, indicating the result of the new method is more in line with the actual scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To develop and validate an innovative predictive model that integrates multisequence magnetic resonance (MR) radiomics, deep learning features, and clinical indicators to accurately predict the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after thermal ablation. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study enrolled patients who were diagnosed with HCC and treated via thermal ablation. We extracted radiomic features from multisequence 3T MR images, analyzed these images using a 3D convolutional neural network (3D CNN), and incorporated clinical data into the model. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The study included 535 patients from three hospitals, comprising 462 males and 43 females. The RDC model, which stands for the Radiomics-Deep Learning-Clinical data model, demonstrated high predictive accuracy, achieving AUCs of 0.794 in the training set, 0.777 in the validation set, and 0.787 in the test set. Statistical analysis confirmed the model's robustness and the significant contribution of the integrated features to its predictive capabilities. Conclusion: The RDC model effectively predicts HCC recurrence after thermal ablation by synergistically combining advanced imaging analysis and clinical parameters. This study highlights the potential of such integrative approaches to enhance prognostic assessments in HCC patients and offers a promising tool for clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Currently, significant medical practice variation exists in thermal ablation (TA) of malignant liver tumors with associated differences in outcomes. The IMaging and Advanced Guidance for workflow optimization in Interventional Oncology (IMAGIO) consortium aims to integrate interventional oncology into the standard clinical pathway for cancer treatment in Europe by 2030, by development of a standardized low-complex-high-precision workflow for TA of malignant liver tumors. This study was conducted at the start of the IMAGIO project with the aim to explore the current state and future role of modern technology in TA of malignant liver tumors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted followed by an expert focus group discussion with core members and collaborating partners of the consortium. Results: Of the 13 participants, 10 respondents filled in the questionnaire. During the focus group discussion, there was consensus on the need for international standardization in TA and several aspects of the procedure, such as planning based on cross-sectional images, the adoption of different techniques for needle placement and the importance of needle position- and post-ablative margin confirmation scans. Yet, also considerable heterogeneity was reported in the adoption of modern technology, particularly in navigational systems and computer-assisted margin assessment. Conclusion: This study mirrored the current diversity in workflow of thermal liver ablation. To obtain comparable outcomes worldwide, standardization is needed. While advancements in tools and software hold the potential to homogenize outcome measurement and minimize operator-dependent variability, the rapid increase in availability also contributes to enhanced workflow variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While thermal ablation is now a standard treatment option for oligometastatic colorectal cancer patients, selecting those who will benefit most from locoregional therapies remains challenging. This proof-of-concept study is the first to assess the feasibility of routine testing of ctDNA before and after thermal ablation with curative intent, analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and methylation specific digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Our prospective study primary objective was to assess the prognostic value of ctDNA before thermal ablation. Methods: This single-center prospective study from November 2021 to June 2022 included colorectal cancer patients referred for curative-intent thermal ablation. Cell-free DNA was tested at different time points by next-generation sequencing and detection of WIF1 and NPY genes hypermethylation using ddPCR. The ctDNA was considered positive if either a tumor mutation or hypermethylation was detected; recurrence-free survival was used as the primary endpoint. Results: The study enrolled 15 patients, and a total of 60 samples were analyzed. The median follow-up after ablation was 316 days, and median recurrence-free survival was 250 days. CtDNA was positive for 33% of the samples collected during the first 24 h. The hazard ratio for progression according to the presence of baseline circulating tumor DNA was estimated at 0.14 (CI 95%: 0.03–0.65, p = 0.019). The dynamics are provided, and patients with no recurrence were all negative at H24 for ctDNA. Discussion: This study shows the feasibility of routine testing of ctDNA before and after thermal ablation with curative intent. We report that circulating tumor DNA is detectable in patients with low tumor burden using 2 techniques. This study emphasizes the potential of ctDNA for discerning patients who are likely to benefit from thermal ablation from those who may not, which could shape future referrals. The dynamics of ctDNA before and after ablation shed light on the need for further research and larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal agents (TAs) have exhibited promise in clinical tests when utilized in cancer thermal therapy (TT). While rapid degradation of TAs may address safety concerns, it limits the thermal stability required for effective treatment. TAs, which possess exceptional thermal stability, experience gradual deterioration. There are few approaches that effectively address the trade-off between improving thermal stability and simultaneously boosting material deterioration. Here, we control the thermal character of tungsten disulfide (WS2)-based 2D materials by utilizing an M13 phage through Joule heating (the M13–WS2–PEG nanostructures were generated and termed a tripartite (T) nanostructure), and developed a T nanostructure-driven TT platform (we called it T-TT) for efficient thermal ablation of clinically relevant MCF-7 cells. A relative cell viability of ~59% was achieved, as well as onset time of degradation of ~0.5 week. The T-TT platform also discloses an energy density of 5.9 J/mL. Furthermore, the phage-conjugated WS2 can be utilized to achieve ultrasound imaging for disease monitoring. Therefore, this research not only presents a thermal agent that overcomes TA limitations, but also demonstrates a practical application of WS2-type material system in ultra-energy efficient and effective cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid nodules are a common, benign condition with a higher prevalence in women, individuals with iodine deficiency, and radiation exposure. Treatment options for benign thyroid nodules include pharmaceutical therapy, thyroidectomy, and thermal ablation (TA). TA, including laser ablation (LA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and microwave ablation (MWA), is a procedure that uses heat to cause tissue necrosis. It is commonly used for large, firm, benign, non-functioning thyroid nodules that cause severe symptoms or pain when surgery is not recommended or desired. When thyroid nodules do not respond to TA, they undergo surgery to resolve the symptoms and clarify the diagnosis. This study aims to analyze the histological alterations found in surgically excised TA-treated thyroid nodules and to evaluate the morphological criteria of differential diagnosis between benign and malignant nodules, establishing whether the alterations observed on the histological sample are a consequence of TA or indicative of neoplastic disease. For this purpose, the adoption of ancillary methods, such as immunohistochemistry, is fundamental to distinguish the artifacts induced by TA from the typical morphological characteristics of malignant neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Design Setting Population Methods Main Outcome Measures Results Conclusions To assess the impact of thermal ablation (TA) for the treatment of cervical dysplasia on fertility and pregnancy outcomes among women screened for cervical cancer in Cameroon.Retrospective cohort study.Dschang health district, Cameroon.Participants aged 30–45 years from two screening trials conducted between 2015 and 2020 in Dschang District Hospital.Participants were primarily screened for human papillomavirus infection, triaged by visual inspection and treated by TA if needed. Between October 2021 and March 2022, interviews on subsequent fertility were conducted with participants treated by TA and a control group of untreated women.Pregnancy and miscarriage after screening/treatment.A total of 760 participants (219 treated and 541 untreated) completed the survey, with a mean follow‐up time of 1297 days. Sixty‐two women (28.3%) treated by TA reported a pregnancy postscreening versus 165 (30.5%) in the control group (p = 0.550). Adjusted for potential confounders, the hazard ratio of pregnancy for treated compared with untreated women was 0.82 (0.54–1.24, p = 0.350). Among women reporting pregnancies with a known outcome and which were not voluntarily terminated, 18 (35.3%) treated participants had a miscarriage versus 31 (21.4%) in the control group (p = 0.048). In the adjusted model, no association remained between TA and miscarriage (1.04, 0.39–2.78, p = 0.935).In our study population, TA did not significantly impact fertility nor miscarriage risk. Our results support the widespread use of TA as a treatment of choice for precancerous cervical lesions in low‐income settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The detection rate of benign thyroid nodules is increasing every year, with some affected patients experiencing symptoms. Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation can reduce the volume of nodules to alleviate symptoms. As the degree and speed of lesion absorption vary greatly between individuals, an effective model to predict curative effect after ablation is lacking. This study aims to predict the efficacy of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules using machine learning and explain the characteristics affecting the nodule volume reduction ratio (VRR). Design: Prospective study Patients: The clinical and ultrasonic characteristics of patients who underwent ultrasound-guided thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules at our hospital between January 2020 and January 2023 were recorded. Measurements: Six machine learning models (logistic regression, support vector machine, decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting [XGBoost], and Light Gradient BoostingMachine [LGBM]) were constructed to predict efficacy; the effectiveness of each model was evaluated, and the optimal model selected. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to visualize the decision process of the optimal model and analyze the characteristics affecting the VRR. Results: In total, 518 benign thyroid nodules were included: 356 in the satisfactory group (VRR =70% 1 year after operation) and 162 in the unsatisfactory group. The optimal XGBoost model predicted satisfactory efficacy with 78.9% accuracy, 88.8% precision, 79.8% recall rate, an F1 value of 0.84 F1, and an area under the curve of 0.86. The top five characteristics that affected VRRs were the proportion of solid components < 20%, initial nodule volume, blood flow score, peripheral blood flow pattern, and proportion of solid components 50-80%. Conclusions: The models, based on interpretable machine learning, predicted the VRR after thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules, which provided a reference for preoperative treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: By incorporating an endovascular component into Great Saphenous Vein stripping, EndoVenous-assisted Invaginated Stripping (EVIS) aims to make the procedure minimally invasive. A study was conducted to investigate the surgical intervention. Methods: Sketches and videos were used to illustrate the technical aspects of EVIS. A prospective cohort study included 20 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Results: EVIS is performed as a day-surgery. Technical success was 100%, and no complications were recorded. The mean operative time was 45 minutes, intraoperative pain score was 4.8, post-operative pain was 2.5, 1.8, 1.2, 0.5 at 48 hours, 1, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. The mean blood loss was 15 mL, and the mean length of the GSV strapped was 19 cm. The follow-up duplex showed a reduction in the diameter of the residual GSV stump. Conclusions: EVIS is a combination of standard techniques that may prove valuable in managing CVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the effect of aspirin on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and survival after thermal ablation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aspirin in combination with thermal ablation. The clinical data were collected for the enrolled patients. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were analyzed. Results: A total of 174 patients with HCC were enrolled. The median PFS was 11.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.1− 14.0) months for patients who took aspirin and 8.6 (95% CI: 5.5− 11.8) months for patients who did not take aspirin. The median OS of patients in the aspirin group was 76.7 (95% CI: 58.1− 95.3) months and that in the non-aspirin group was 53.5 (95% CI: 42.7− 64.3) months. In patients with non-viral HCC, OS was significantly better for the aspirin group (P = 0.03) after ablation. The PFS of patients who underwent ablation alone in the aspirin group was obviously superior to that of patients in the non-aspirin group (P = 0.002). Stratified Cox regression analysis demonstrated that aspirin use after ablation might be a protective factor in specific HCC patient subgroups. The incidence of major adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusion: Low-dose aspirin use was associated with better OS in patients with non-viral HCC after thermal ablation. In patients who received thermal ablation alone, the administration of low-dose aspirin could improve PFS. Aspirin use might be a protective factor in some patients after ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thermal ablation and conventional thyroidectomy are effective therapeutic methods for treating benign thyroid nodules (BTNs), but the psychological impacts of these methods in BTN patients are largely unknown. Materials and methods: This survey study prospectively enrolled patients who were admitted to our hospital between July 2021 and July 2022. The four validated scales were applied to quantify psychological distress and sleep quality at five points (the day admitted to the hospital, the day discharged from the hospital, and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment). Participants who were diagnosed with BTNs and completed the questionnaires were ultimately enrolled and divided into thermal ablation and conventional thyroidectomy groups. A propensity score matching (PSM) cohort was subsequently developed to evaluate longitudinal and cross-sectional changes in psychological-related indicators. Results: Among 548 eligible BTN patients, 460 patients completed all the questionnaires throughout the follow-up (response rate: 83.94%), including 368 (80.00%) patients who underwent thermal ablation and 92 (20.00%) patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy. After PSM, a total of 342 patients were enrolled (256 patients underwent thermal ablation, and 86 patients underwent conventional thyroidectomy). The psychological-related indicators of patients in the thermal ablation group remained relatively stable during the 6-month follow-up, but patients in the conventional thyroidectomy group may have experienced greater anxiety and sleep quality concerns in the longitudinal assessment. Additionally, in the cross-sectional evaluation, the sleep quality of the thermal ablation group was also better than that of the conventional thyroidectomy group postoperatively. Conclusions: Thermal ablation is superior to conventional thyroidectomy for BTN patients in terms of psychological-related indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a novel energy source for the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using ultrarapid electrical pulses to induce cell death via electroporation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and acute efficacy of ablation for AF with PFA vs thermal energy sources. METHODS: We performed an extensive literature search and systematic review of studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of ablation for AF with PFA and compared them to landmark clinical trials for ablation of AF with thermal energy sources. Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation was used to establish variance of raw proportions followed by the inverse with the random-effects model to combine the transformed proportions and generate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We included 24 studies for a total of 5203 patients who underwent AF ablation. Among these patients, 54.6% (n = 2842) underwent PFA and 45.4% (n = 2361) underwent thermal ablation. There were significantly fewer periprocedural complications in the PFA group (2.05%; 95% CI 0.94-3.46) compared to the thermal ablation group (7.75%; 95% CI 5.40-10.47) (P = .001). When comparing AF recurrence up to 1 year, there was a statistically insignificant trend toward a lower prevalence of recurrence in the PFA group (14.24%; 95% CI 6.97-23.35) compared to the thermal ablation group (25.98%; 95% CI 15.75-37.68) (P = .132). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this meta-analysis, PFA was associated with lower rates of periprocedural complications and similar rates of acute procedural success and recurrent AF with up to 1 year of follow-up compared to ablation with thermal energy sources.

Abstract Background Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Aside from causing an immediate direct tumour cell injury, the effects of thermal ablation on the internal microenvironment are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of thermal ablation on the plasma internal environment in patients with NSCLC. Methods 128 plasma samples were collected from 48 NSCLC (pre [LC] and after thermal ablation [LC-T]) patients and 32 healthy controls (HCs). Olink proteomics and metabolomics were utilized to construct an integrated landscape of the cancer-related immune and inflammatory responses after ablation. Results Compared with HCs, LC patients exhibited 58 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 479 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), which might participate in tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, 75 DEPs were identified among the HC, LC, and LC-T groups. Forty-eight highly expressed DEPs (eg, programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1]) in the LC group were found to be downregulated after thermal ablation. These DEPs had significant impacts on pathways such as angiogenesis, immune checkpoint blockade, and pro-tumour chemotaxis. Metabolites involved in tumour cell survival were associated with these proteins at the expression and functional levels. In contrast, 19 elevated proteins (eg, interleukin [IL]-6) were identified after thermal ablation. These proteins were mainly associated with inflammatory response pathways (NF-κB signalling and tumour necrosis factor signalling) and immune cell activation. Conclusions Thermal ablation-induced changes in the host plasma microenvironment contribute to anti-tumour immunity in NSCLC, offering new insights into tumour ablation combined with immunotherapy. Trial registration This study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html ). ID: ChiCTR2300076517. Registration Date: 2023-10-11.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a single ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (US-HIFU) treatment in patients with breast fibroadenoma (FA) in terms of volume and pain reduction as well as palpation findings. From december 2013 until november 2014 27 women with a symptomatic FA were treated in one HIFU-session. Follow-up visits were performed after 7 days, 6 months and 1, 2, 3 and 5 years with clinical examination and ultrasound. One year after the procedure, a core needle biopsy of the residual lesion was offered. There was a significant volume reduction 6 months after HIFU from 1083.10 to 347.13 mm3 (p

Abstract Background Cervical cancer continues to disproportionately burden women in low/middle-income countries like Ghana. We examined treatment patterns and histopathological outcomes among women screened using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and/or mobile colposcopy who subsequently underwent thermal ablation, large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), or cold knife conization at the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Training Centre, Battor. We also assessed the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) or micro-invasive disease and their associated factors for women who underwent excisional treatments. The treatment choices for cervical precancerous lesions suitable for resource-limited settings have also been described from the perspective of a center that manages a heterogenous population. Methods We conducted an analysis of secondary data collected between June 2016 and June 2023 among women with positive findings on VIA or mobile colposcopy who subsequently underwent thermal ablation or large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). The prevalence of histopathology outcomes, including no dysplasia, CIN1 − 3, and micro-invasive disease, were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Factors associated with histopathological findings were modeled using multinomial logistic regression. Results For the study period, 14 (10.6%) of the total 132 participants underwent cervical lesion treatment at outreach locations, all via thermal ablation. The remaining 118 (89.4%) were treated at the Catholic Hospital, Battor using LLETZ (n = 66, 55.9%), thermal ablation (n = 51, 43.2%), and cold knife conization (n = 1, 0.9%). Among 65 women with histopathology reports, the most frequent histopathological finding was no dysplasia (47.7%; 95% CI, 35.1 − 60.5), followed by CIN2 and CIN3 (20.0%; 95% CI, 11.1 − 31.8 each), CIN1 (7.7%; 95% CI, 2.5 − 17.0) and micro-invasion (4.6%; 95% CI, 1.0 − 12.9). Those with micro-invasive disease were significantly older than those with CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3 (p = 0.036, 0.022, 0.009, respectively), but not significantly older than those who showed no dysplasia (p = 0.088). For each unit increase in age, the likelihood of CIN3 was relatively significantly reduced compared to no dysplasia (crude relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86 − 0.99). This association was neither observed with the remaining histopathological groups nor for parity and persisted after controlling for parity (adjusted RRR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85 − 0.99; p = 0.025). Conclusion This paper largely demonstrates treatment options available to women and practitioners in LMICs. The high combined prevalence of high-grade precancerous lesions and micro-invasive disease underscores the need to increase cervical cancer awareness that would enhance screening attendance and hasten efforts at moving from opportunistic to organized screening in Ghana. This will enhance early cervical lesion detection and treatment, while simultaneously re-evaluating and cutting down on unnecessary treatment.

Abstract Background Therapeutic options for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in individual patients can be limited by tumor and location, liver dysfunction and comorbidities. Many patients with early-stage HCC do not receive curative-intent therapies. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) has emerged as an effective, non-invasive HCC treatment option, however, randomized evidence for SABR in the first line setting is lacking. Methods Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) 21.07 SOCRATES-HCC is a phase II, prospective, randomised trial comparing SABR to other current standard of care therapies for patients with a solitary HCC ≤ 8 cm, ineligible for surgical resection or transplantation. The study is divided into 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 will compromise 118 patients with tumors ≤ 3 cm eligible for thermal ablation randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to thermal ablation or SABR. Cohort 2 will comprise 100 patients with tumors > 3 cm up to 8 cm in size, or tumors ≤ 3 cm ineligible for thermal ablation, randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to SABR or best other standard of care therapy including transarterial therapies. The primary objective is to determine whether SABR results in superior freedom from local progression (FFLP) at 2 years compared to thermal ablation in cohort 1 and compared to best standard of care therapy in cohort 2. Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, overall survival, adverse events, patient reported outcomes and health economic analyses. Discussion The SOCRATES-HCC study will provide the first randomized, multicentre evaluation of the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of SABR versus other standard of care therapies in the first line treatment of unresectable, early-stage HCC. It is a broad, multicentre collaboration between hepatology, interventional radiology and radiation oncology groups around Australia, coordinated by TROG Cancer Research. Trial registration anzctr.org.au, ACTRN12621001444875, registered 21 October 2021.

Abstract Background This study compared the survival outcomes after thermal ablation versus wedge resection in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ≤ 2 cm. Methods Data from the United States (US) National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with stage I NSCLC and lesions ≤ 2 cm who received thermal ablation or wedge resection were included. Patients who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy were excluded. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was applied to balance the baseline characteristics between patients who underwent the two procedures. Results Univariate and Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between study variables, overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). After PSM, 328 patients remained for analysis. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed, compared to wedge resection, thermal ablation was significantly associated with a greater risk of poor OS (adjusted HR [aHR]: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.09–1.63, p = 0.004) but not CSS (aHR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.96–1.71, p = 0.094). In stratified analyses, no significant differences were observed with respect to OS and CSS between the two procedures regardless of histology and grade. In patients with tumor size 1 to 2 cm, compared to wedge resection, thermal ablation was significantly associated with a higher risk of poor OS (aHR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10–1.66, p = 0.004). In contrast, no significant difference was found on OS and CSS between thermal ablation and wedge resection among those with tumor size

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of cryoablation compared to partial nephrectomy in patients with stage IA papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (pRCC; chRCC). Material and methods The 2004–2016 National Cancer Database was queried for adult patients with stage IA pRCC or chRCC treated with cryoablation or partial nephrectomy. Patients receiving systemic therapy or radiotherapy, as well as those with bilateral RCC or prior malignant disease were excluded. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Nearest neighbor propensity matching (1:1 cryoablation:partial nephrectomy, stratified for pRCC and chRCC) was used to account for potential confounders. Results A total of 11122 stage IA renal cell carcinoma patients were included (pRCC 8030; chRCC 3092). Cryoablation was performed in 607 (5.5%) patients, and partial nephrectomy in 10515 (94.5%) patients. A higher likelihood of cryoablation treatment was observed in older patients with non-private healthcare insurance, as well as in those with smaller diameter low-grade pRCC treated at non-academic centers in specific US geographic regions. After propensity score matching to account for confounders, there was no statistically significant difference in OS comparing cryoablation vs partial nephrectomy in patients with pRCC (HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.96–1.75, p = 0.09) and those with chRCC (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.67–2.82, p = 0.38). Conclusion After accounting for confounders, cryoablation, and partial nephrectomy demonstrated comparable OS in patients with stage IA papillary and chromophobe RCC. Cryoablation is a reasonable treatment alternative to partial nephrectomy for these histological RCC subtypes when radiologically suspected or diagnosed after biopsy. Critical relevance statement Cryoablation might be considered as an upfront treatment alternative to partial nephrectomy in patients with papillary and chromophobe stage IA renal cell carcinoma, as both treatment approaches yield comparable oncological outcomes. Key Points The utilization of cryoablation for stage IA papillary and chromophobe RCC increases. In the National Cancer Database, we found specific patterns of use of cryoablation. Cryoablation and partial nephrectomy demonstrate comparable outcomes after accounting for confounders. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (TA) has emerged as a robust therapeutic approach for treating solid tumors in multiple organs, including the thyroid. Yet, its efficacy and safety profile in the management of Graves’ Disease (GD) remains to be definitively established. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 50 GD patients treated with TA between October 2017 and December 2021. Key metrics like thyroid volume, volume reduction rate (VRR), thyroid hormones, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were evaluated using paired Wilcoxon tests. Results The intervention of ultrasound-guided TA yielded a statistically significant diminution in total thyroid volume across all postoperative follow-up intervals—1, 3, 6, and 12 months—relative to pre-intervention baselines (p

Objective Materials and Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of salvage stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after thermal ablation (TA).This study was a multi‐institutional retrospective analysis of patients with recurrent RCC following TA who received SABR between 2016 and 2020. The primary study outcome was freedom from local failure, evaluated radiographically based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) v1.1. Distant failure, cancer‐specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), treatment‐related toxicity and renal function changes following SABR were the secondary outcomes. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate freedom from local and distant failure, CSS and OS.Seventeen patients with 18 biopsy‐confirmed RCCs were included, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at time of SABR of 75.2 (72.6–68.7) years, a median (IQR) tumour size of 3.5 (1.9–4.1) cm and follow‐up (reverse Kaplan–Meier method) of 3.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–4.1) years. Six of the 17 patients had a solitary kidney. Five patients had failed repeat TA prior to SABR. The median (IQR) time from TA procedure to SABR was 3.03 (1.5–5.1) years. No patient experienced local progression, with a local control rate of 100%. Four patients, two with baseline metastatic disease, experienced distant progression. The distant progression‐free survival, CSS and OS at 3 years were 72.1% (95% CI 51.9%–100%), 92.3% (95% CI 78.9%–100%) and 82.1% (95% CI 62.1%–100%), respectively. The median (IQR) glomerular filtration rate before SABR was 58 (40–71) mL/min, and at last follow‐up, it was 48 (33–57) mL/min. No patient experienced grade 3+ toxicity or went on to develop end‐stage renal disease.The results showed that SABR appears to be an effective and safe salvage strategy in patients with recurrent RCC following TA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2-D MXene material has garnered immense attention in the multidisciplinary region due to its high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, good biocompatibility, and tunable physicochemical properties. MXene nanoparticles can be utilized in thermal ablation to destroy unwanted tissues and tumors without invasive surgery. Therefore, this work investigates MXene (Ti3C2) embedded blood flow over a curved shape stretching artery. The mathematical model for hybrid blood flow is developed to see the thermal changes due to external pressure and diffusion. Furthermore, the flow model PDEs are equipped with Darcy-Forchheimer's condition, external magnetic force, thermal radiation, and heat source/sink. These PDEs are converted into a system of ODEs by a proper similarity conversion. The solution of governing equations are acquired numerically, the flow and thermal performance outputs are exhibited through pictorial and tabular representations. It is revealed that the thermal performance is enhanced due to sphere shaped MXene (Ti3C2) nanoparticles. The outcomes of this study can be utilized in photothermic therapy and other applications where heat transfer plays an essential role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Aside from causing an immediate direct tumour cell injury, the effects of thermal ablation on the internal microenvironment are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of thermal ablation on the plasma internal environment in patients with NSCLC. Methods: 128 plasma samples were collected from 48 NSCLC (pre [LC] and after thermal ablation [LC-T]) patients and 32 healthy controls (HCs). Olink proteomics and metabolomics were utilized to construct an integrated landscape of the cancer-related immune and inflammatory responses after ablation. Results: Compared with HCs, LC patients exhibited 58 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 479 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), which might participate in tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, 75 DEPs were identified among the HC, LC, and LC-T groups. Forty-eight highly expressed DEPs (eg, programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1]) in the LC group were found to be downregulated after thermal ablation. These DEPs had significant impacts on pathways such as angiogenesis, immune checkpoint blockade, and pro-tumour chemotaxis. Metabolites involved in tumour cell survival were associated with these proteins at the expression and functional levels. In contrast, 19 elevated proteins (eg, interleukin [IL]-6) were identified after thermal ablation. These proteins were mainly associated with inflammatory response pathways (NF-κB signalling and tumour necrosis factor signalling) and immune cell activation. Conclusions: Thermal ablation-induced changes in the host plasma microenvironment contribute to anti-tumour immunity in NSCLC, offering new insights into tumour ablation combined with immunotherapy. Trial registration This study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html). ID: ChiCTR2300076517. Registration Date: 2023-10-11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of life outcomes between thermal ablation and surgical interventions in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A prospective study was undertaken, enrolling patients with PTC ≤5mm who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation (LA), or surgery, for analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes. The Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life questionnairewas administered to all patients before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. Results: A total of 162 eligible patients were included in the study. Major complications were not observed in the RFA and LA groups, while five cases were reported in the surgery group, although no statistically significant differences were observed. Minor complications were documented in two, three, and 14 patients in the RFA, LA, and surgery groups, respectively, with no significant variances noted. Surgical duration and hospitalization time were notably shorter in the thermal ablation groups. At the final follow-up, complete disappearance of nodules was seen in 71.4% of cases treated with RFA and 71.0% of cases managed with LA, with no significant disparities between the groups. Both RFA and LA exhibited similar effects on quality of life, with thermal ablation techniques showing better functional outcomes in comparison to surgery. Across all groups, adverse effects were most pronounced at the 3-month post-treatment mark but gradually reverted to baseline levels in the thermal ablation group, contrasting with the surgery group. Conclusions: For PTC ≤5mm, both RFA and LA exhibited similar cancer control outcomes and superior quality of life on par with surgery, while minimizing complications. These findings underscore the promise of RFA and LA as potential standard treatments for small PTCs, subject to further confirmation in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a single ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (US-HIFU) treatment in patients with breast fibroadenoma (FA) in terms of volume and pain reduction as well as palpation findings. From december 2013 until november 2014 27 women with a symptomatic FA were treated in one HIFU-session. Follow-up visits were performed after 7 days, 6 months and 1, 2, 3 and 5 years with clinical examination and ultrasound. One year after the procedure, a core needle biopsy of the residual lesion was offered. There was a significant volume reduction 6 months after HIFU from 1083.10 to 347.13 mm3 (p < 0.0001) with a mean volume reduction ratio (VRR) of 61.63%. Thereafter the FAs showed a further, but no longer significant decrease in size. One patient with an initial incomplete ablation and histologically confirmed persistent vital cells after 1 year showed a strong regrowth after 3 years. Excluding this patient from analysis, the mean VRR at months 12, 24, 36, and 60 was 86.44%, 94.44%, 94.90%, and 97.85%, respectively. Before HIFU, 59.26% of the patients had pain (22.33/100 VAS) which decreased to 6.56/100 after 12 months and remained reduced over the 5 year follow up period. A decrease in palpability from 85.19 to 7.69% was observed within 24 months. A single HIFU intervention let to a substantial reduction in size, pain, and palpability with its most potential effect during the first 12 months. Subsequently, the observed effect remained stable over a 5 year follow up period. Incomplete initial treatment was associated with the risk of regrowth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Image-guided thermal ablation has been applied in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) who refuse surgery or active surveillance. However, evidence to support ablation is limited by single-center designs and a lack of long-term data. The purpose of this study was to compare long-term outcomes between ablation and lobectomy for patients with solitary PTMC. Materials and methods: This multi-center retrospective study included 1021 consecutive patients with solitary PTMC who underwent ablation (n= 444) or lobectomy (n =577) at the four university-affiliated hospitals. The primary outcomes were disease progression [lymph node metastasis (LNM), recurrent tumors, persistent tumors and distant metastasis] and disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes were complications, hospitalization, procedure time, estimated blood loss and cost. The two groups were compared using propensity score matching. Results: After matching, no significant differences were observed in disease progression (4.7% vs. 3.4%, P= 0.307), LNM (1.6% vs. 1.6%, P =1.000), recurrent tumors (2.9% vs. 1.8%, P=0.269), persistent tumors(0.2% vs. 0%, P= 0.317) and DFS (95.5% vs. 97.1%, P= 0.246) between the ablation and lobectomy groups during the median follow-up of 96.5 months. The ablation group had significantly lower complication rates (0.7% vs. 5.2%, P <0.001), shorter post-treatment hospitalization {median [interquartile range (IQR)], 0 vs. 4.0 [3.0] days, P< 0.001}, shorter procedure time [8.5 (2.8) vs. 90.0 (43.8) min, P< 0.001], reduced estimated blood loss [0 vs. 20.0 (10.0) ml, P< 0.001], and lower cost [$1873.2 (254.0) vs. $2292.9 (797.8), P <0.001] than the lobectomy group. Conclusions: This study revealed comparable disease progression and survival outcomes between ablation and lobectomy for solitary PTMC. Imaged-guided thermal ablation could be effective and safe alternatives to lobectomy for properly selected patients with PTMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are few large-scale analyses comparing local tumor destruction (LTD) or local tumor enucleation/excision (LTE) relative to partial nephrectomy (PN) for patients with T1a renal masses in terms of cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). The authors aimed to compare CSS and OS after LTD versus LTE versus PN. Materials and methods: Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2000-2019), the authors identified patients with clinical T1a renal masses and histologically confirmed kidney cancer treated with LTD, LTE, or PN. After 1:1 ratio propensity score matching (PSM), comparisons between the groups were conducted. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to compare survival in the matched population. Results: In the overall cohort of 3717 LTD patients versus 1993 LTE patients versus 26 935 PN patients, 77.3% of LTD-treated patients and 74.4% of LTE-treated patients were over 60 years old, while only 50.3% of PN-treated patients were over 60 years old. PN was more strongly associated with CSS [hazard ratio ((HR) = 1.276, P< 0.001) and OS (HR=1.112, P< 0.001)] than was LTD, while PN was less strongly associated with CSS (HR= 1.040, P =0.230) and OS (HR= 0.888, P =0.002) than was LTE, not only in the PSM cohort but also in the subgroups of patients with a tumor size =3 cm and patients with a tumor size of 3.1-4 cm. Conclusions: In clinical T1a solid renal mass patients, LTD was associated with lower CSS and OS than LTE and PN, while LTE demonstrated noninferior CSS and superior OS to PN regardless of tumor size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current management options for PTMC include lobo-isthmectomy and active surveillance (AS). Recently, ultrasound-guided minimally invasive procedures (MITs) are offered as a nonsurgical therapy for PTMC because they do not require hospitalization and general anaesthesia, and do not result in loss of thyroid function or cosmetic damage. MITs are reported to consistently provide, mostly in large retrospective series of patients, a rapid, safe, and cost-effective way to eradicate low-risk thyroid malignancies. However, conclusive data from well-conducted prospective studies on the histologically-proven completeness of tumor ablation and the long-term clinical advantages versus AS are still lacking. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided minimally invasive treatments (MITs) for PTMC in comparison to traditional surgical methods and active surveillance, and to assess their role in current clinical practice. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using keywords related to PTMC, MIT, and comparative techniques. Studies were evaluated based on treatment modality, patient selection, follow-up duration, complication rates, and clinical outcomes. Results: MITs have shown promising results in the management of PTMC. These treatments offer several advantages over surgery, such as reduced use of surgical resources, lower costs, minimal work disruption, and fewer major complications. However, there are still limitations, including the need for long-term surveillance and the potential risk of incomplete tumor ablation. Conclusions: MITs represent a promising non-surgical option for managing low-risk PTMC, especially for patients ineligible for or refusing surgery. Despite favorable outcomes, more robust prospective data are needed to confirm their long-term benefits and completeness of tumor ablation. Interdisciplinary discussions and thorough patient education on the advantages and limitations of MITs are crucial for informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwaves can safely and non-destructively illuminate and penetrate dielectric materials, making them an attractive solution for various medical tasks, including detection, diagnosis, classification, and monitoring. Their inherent electromagnetic properties, portability, cost-effectiveness, and the growth in computing capabilities have encouraged the development of numerous microwave sensing and imaging systems in the medical field, with the potential to complement or even replace current gold-standard methods. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on the latest advances in medical applications of microwaves, particularly focusing on the near-field ones working within the 1–15 GHz frequency range. It specifically examines significant strides in the development of clinical devices for brain stroke diagnosis and classification, breast cancer screening, and continuous blood glucose monitoring. The technical implementation and algorithmic aspects of prototypes and devices are discussed in detail, including the transceiver systems, radiating elements (such as antennas and sensors), and the imaging algorithms. Additionally, it provides an overview of other promising cutting-edge microwave medical applications, such as knee injuries and colon polyps detection, torso scanning and image-based monitoring of thermal therapy intervention. Finally, the review discusses the challenges of achieving clinical engagement with microwave-based technologies and explores future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic options for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in individual patients can be limited by tumor and location, liver dysfunction and comorbidities. Many patients with early-stage HCC do not receive curative-intent therapies. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) has emerged as an effective, non-invasive HCC treatment option, however, randomized evidence for SABR in the first line setting is lacking. Methods: Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) 21.07 SOCRATES-HCC is a phase II, prospective, randomised trial comparing SABR to other current standard of care therapies for patients with a solitary HCC ≤ 8 cm, ineligible for surgical resection or transplantation. The study is divided into 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 will compromise 118 patients with tumors ≤ 3 cm eligible for thermal ablation randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to thermal ablation or SABR. Cohort 2 will comprise 100 patients with tumors > 3 cm up to 8 cm in size, or tumors ≤ 3 cm ineligible for thermal ablation, randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to SABR or best other standard of care therapy including transarterial therapies. The primary objective is to determine whether SABR results in superior freedom from local progression (FFLP) at 2 years compared to thermal ablation in cohort 1 and compared to best standard of care therapy in cohort 2. Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, overall survival, adverse events, patient reported outcomes and health economic analyses. Discussion: The SOCRATES-HCC study will provide the first randomized, multicentre evaluation of the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of SABR versus other standard of care therapies in the first line treatment of unresectable, early-stage HCC. It is a broad, multicentre collaboration between hepatology, interventional radiology and radiation oncology groups around Australia, coordinated by TROG Cancer Research. Trial registration: anzctr.org.au, ACTRN12621001444875, registered 21 October 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of cryoablation compared to partial nephrectomy in patients with stage IA papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (pRCC; chRCC). Material and methods: The 2004–2016 National Cancer Database was queried for adult patients with stage IA pRCC or chRCC treated with cryoablation or partial nephrectomy. Patients receiving systemic therapy or radiotherapy, as well as those with bilateral RCC or prior malignant disease were excluded. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Nearest neighbor propensity matching (1:1 cryoablation:partial nephrectomy, stratified for pRCC and chRCC) was used to account for potential confounders. Results: A total of 11122 stage IA renal cell carcinoma patients were included (pRCC 8030; chRCC 3092). Cryoablation was performed in 607 (5.5%) patients, and partial nephrectomy in 10515 (94.5%) patients. A higher likelihood of cryoablation treatment was observed in older patients with non-private healthcare insurance, as well as in those with smaller diameter low-grade pRCC treated at non-academic centers in specific US geographic regions. After propensity score matching to account for confounders, there was no statistically significant difference in OS comparing cryoablation vs partial nephrectomy in patients with pRCC (HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.96–1.75, p = 0.09) and those with chRCC (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.67–2.82, p = 0.38). Conclusion: After accounting for confounders, cryoablation, and partial nephrectomy demonstrated comparable OS in patients with stage IA papillary and chromophobe RCC. Cryoablation is a reasonable treatment alternative to partial nephrectomy for these histological RCC subtypes when radiologically suspected or diagnosed after biopsy. Critical relevance statement: Cryoablation might be considered as an upfront treatment alternative to partial nephrectomy in patients with papillary and chromophobe stage IA renal cell carcinoma, as both treatment approaches yield comparable oncological outcomes. Key Points: The utilization of cryoablation for stage IA papillary and chromophobe RCC increases. In the National Cancer Database, we found specific patterns of use of cryoablation. Cryoablation and partial nephrectomy demonstrate comparable outcomes after accounting for confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thermal ablation is routinely used for solitary colorectal liver metastases (SCLM), but the added value of adjuvant systemic therapy in SCLM remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes for SCLM treated by ablation alone (AB) versus ablation plus systemic therapy (AS). Methods: This multicenter retrospective study using nationwide data from fourteen institutions between October 2010 and May 2023, 369 patients with initial SCLM smaller than 5 cm, no extrahepatic metastases, and colorectal cancer R0 resection treated by thermal ablation were included. The crude analysis was used to analyze eligible cases between the two groups. The propensity score matching to control for potential confounders in each matched group. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify specific survival benefits. Results: 61.2% (226/369) of eligible patients were treated with AS and 38.8% (143/369) with AB. During the median follow-up period of 8.8 years, 1-/3-/5-year DFS/OS rates did not differ between the two groups, when analyzed via propensity score matching (P=0.52/0.08). Subgroup analysis revealed that AS was significantly associated with better OS than AB in patients with plasma CEA >5 ug/l (P=0.036), T (III-IV) category of primary cancer (P=0.034), or clinical risk score (1-2) (P=0.041). In each matched group, the authors did find a significant difference in drug-related adverse events (P<0.001) between AS group (24.1%, 28/116) and AB group (0.0%, 0/116). Conclusions: For patientswith plasma CEA >5 ug/l, T (III-IV) category of primary cancer, or clinical risk score (1-2), thermal ablation plus systemic therapy appeared to be associated with improved overall survival. Thermal ablation was equally effective in disease-free survival for treating SCLM, whether with or without adjuvant systemic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical studies have indicated the potential safety and efficacy of thermal ablation (TA) in treating multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (MPTMC). However, a comprehensive systematic evaluation of its effectiveness was still lack. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for studies published until October 23, 2023, that reported on the effectiveness of thermal ablation in the management of MPTMC. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were independently conducted by two reviewers following the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified 389 tumors in 169 patients from four studies. After treatment with different TA, the combined rate of complete disappearance of MPTMC was 92.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 68.2–100] and the combined rate of overall complications was 4.4% [95% CI: 1.5–8.5]. During the follow-up period, local tumor recurrence was observed in only 2 patients with a combined rate of 0.2% [95% CI: 0.0–2.6]; lymph node metastasis (LNM) was observed in 3 patients with a combined rate of 1.2% [95% CI: 0–4.1]. Additionally, 6 patients developed new PTMC. It is noteworthy that no patients were observed to develop distant metastases during the follow-up period, and no patients had delayed surgery after underwent ablation. Conclusions: For patients grappling with MPTMC, TA emerges as an excellent approach for achieving localized tumor control. Nonetheless, achieving favorable outcomes necessitates stringent inclusion criteria and a profound level of expertize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (TA) has emerged as a robust therapeutic approach for treating solid tumors in multiple organs, including the thyroid. Yet, its efficacy and safety profile in the management of Graves' Disease (GD) remains to be definitively established. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 50 GD patients treated with TA between October 2017 and December 2021. Key metrics like thyroid volume, volume reduction rate (VRR), thyroid hormones, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were evaluated using paired Wilcoxon tests. Results: The intervention of ultrasound-guided TA yielded a statistically significant diminution in total thyroid volume across all postoperative follow-up intervals—1, 3, 6, and 12 months—relative to pre-intervention baselines (p < 0.001). The median VRR observed at these time points were 17.5%, 26.5%, 34.4%, and 39.8%, respectively. Euthyroid status was corroborated in 96% of patients at the one-year follow-up milestone. Transient tachycardia and dysphonia were observed in three patients, while a solitary case of skin numbness was noted. Crucially, no instances of enduring injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) were documented. Conclusions: Our investigation substantiates ultrasound-guided TA as a pragmatic, well-tolerated, and safe therapeutic modality for GD. It effectively improves symptoms of hyperthyroidism, engenders a substantial reduction in thyroid volume, and restores thyroid hormone and BMR to physiological levels. Given its favorable safety profile, enhanced cosmetic outcomes, and minimally invasive nature, ultrasound-guided TA is a compelling alternative to thyroidectomy for GD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New protocols have been developed of biological tissue volumes with shock-wave bursts using trajectories uniformly filled with discrete foci within a given volume. Each focus was sonicated with a millisecond-long pulse, which immediately generated a single thermal lesion. In developing the most advantageous irradiation protocols, the effect of the source peak power at a constant time-averaged value, the distance between single foci, and geometry of the outer contour of the trajectory on the shape, volume, and thermal ablation rate was analyzed. It is shown that for an arbitrary geometry of the outer contour of a single-layer trajectory, the most advantageous is the saturation mode of the shock front amplitude at the array focus using a trajectory with a spatial step 1.5 times greater than the transverse size of the single lesion. To obtain thermal ablation volumes on the order of cubic centimeters, protocols have been suggested with layer-by-layer irradiation of tissue, which make it possible to accelerate the thermal ablation process by 2.5 times compared to protocols used in clinical practice. The advantage of the proposed protocols that use the shock-wave exposure is the ability to generate localized and predictable thermal lesion without using MRI temperature monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in interventional radiology, focusing on its role in endoleak detection after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), periprocedural thermal ablation guidance, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CEUS offers a dynamic assessment for the detection of endoleak following EVAR, facilitating accurate diagnosis and classification. In periprocedural thermal ablation, CEUS enhances target lesion delineation with the visualization of real-time perfusion changes, optimizing treatment strategies and reducing residual tumor rates. Finally, CEUS has demonstrated efficacy in intraprocedural evaluation and postprocedural follow-up in TACE for HCC, offering early detection of residual tumor enhancement and providing an alternative for patients with contraindications to contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, CEUS is a versatile and valuable tool with many applications to offer interventional radiologists enhanced diagnostic capabilities and improved patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive image-guided approach that uses microwaves emitted by an antenna to heat and destroy cancer cells. MWA is commonly used for treating liver tumors due to its efficient heating, minimal susceptibility to heat sink effects, and ability to treat larger tumors effectively. However, achieving effective ablation, defined by a minimal ablative margin of at least 5 mm, is crucial to prevent tumor recurrence and is affected by factors like tumor size and location, antenna placement, patient health status, and MWA device parameters. Challenges in antenna placement and the need for precise monitoring during MWA therapy often result in repeated adjustments and potential over-ablation, risking damage to healthy tissues. This study demonstrated that patient-specific three-dimensional models in MWA therapy can accurately predict the delivered ablation zone and have the potential to improve treatment efficacy, enabling more precise ablations and better patient outcomes with minimal unnecessary tissue damage and adequate margins. Microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumors presents challenges like under- and over-ablation, potentially leading to inadequate tumor destruction and damage to healthy tissue. This study aims to develop personalized three-dimensional (3D) models to simulate MWA for liver tumors, incorporating patient-specific characteristics. The primary objective is to validate the predicted ablation zones compared to clinical outcomes, offering insights into MWA before therapy to facilitate accurate treatment planning. Contrast-enhanced CT images from three patients were used to create 3D models. The simulations used coupled electromagnetic wave propagation and bioheat transfer to estimate the temperature distribution, predicting tumor destruction and ablation margins. The findings indicate that prolonged ablation does not significantly improve tumor destruction once an adequate margin is achieved, although it increases tissue damage. There was a substantial overlap between the clinical ablation zones and the predicted ablation zones. For patient 1, the Dice score was 0.73, indicating high accuracy, with a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.76. For patient 2, the Dice score was 0.86, with a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.96. For patient 3, the Dice score was 0.8, with a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.74. Patient-specific 3D models demonstrate potential in accurately predicting ablation zones and optimizing MWA treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung tumors are prevalent malignancies associated with a high mortality rate, imposing significant medical and societal burdens. Although immunotherapy shows promise in improving survival, response rates are relatively modest. Thermal ablation can not only eliminate tumor cells directly but also enhance antitumor immunity response, thus manifesting a remarkable propensity to synergize with immunotherapy. Summary: In this review, we provided a brief overview of the application of thermal ablation in peripheral lung tumors. We summarized the patient selection of thermal ablation. We highlighted the potential of thermal ablation to augment the antitumor immune response, offering a promising avenue for combined therapies. We summarized studies assessing the synergistic effects of thermal ablation and immunotherapy in preclinical and clinical settings. Lastly, we underscored the urgent issues that warrant in-depth exploration when applying thermal ablation and immunotherapy to lung tumor patients. Key Messages: This review emphasized the prospects of using thermal ablation combined with immunotherapy in patients with peripheral lung tumors. However, further research is needed to enhance and optimize this treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-frequency high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) thermal ablation is an exceptionally promising technique for treating tumors due to its precision and effectiveness. However, there are still a few studies on improving the accuracy and efficiency of HIFU in superficial ablation applications. This study proposes a method utilizing dual frequency switching ultrasound (DFSU) to enhance the efficiency and precision of superficial treatments. A dual-frequency HIFU transducer operating at 4.5 MHz and 13.7 MHz was designed, and a dual-frequency impedance matching network was designed to optimize electro-acoustic conversion efficiency. Phantom and ex vivo tests were conducted to measure and compare thermal lesion areas and temperature rises caused by single-frequency ultrasound (SFU) and DFSU. In both phantom and ex vivo tests, the utilization of DFSU resulted in larger lesion areas compared to SFU. Moreover, DFSU provided improved control and versatility, enabling precise and efficient ablation. DFSU exhibits the ability to generate larger ablation areas in superficial tissue compared to SFU, and DFSU allows flexible control over the ablation area and temperature rise rate. The acoustic power deposition of HIFU can be optimized to achieve precise ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a model for hyperthermia therapies based on heat diffusion in a biological tissue containing a topological defect. Biological tissues behave like active liquid crystals with the presence of topological defects which are likely to anchor tumors during the metastatic phase of cancer evolution and the therapy challenge is to destroy the cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissues. The defect creates an effective non-Euclidean geometry for low-energy excitations, modifying the bio-heat equation. Applications to protocols of thermal ablation for various biological tissues (liver, prostate, and skin) is analyzed and discussed.

This study primarily investigates the thermal effects of high-energy laser irradiation on carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites in an airflow environment. Experiments conducted within a wind tunnel at various power densities elucidate the impact of laser ablation on the material’s surface and rear temperatures, ablation depth, and morphology. The research highlights the intriguing thermal effects of high-energy laser on C/SiC materials under airflow conditions and introduces a novel effective thermal conductivity model that incorporates reaction mechanisms and by-product considerations. This model significantly enhances the accuracy in predicting temperature variations and ablation rates, offering critical insights into the thermal behavior of C/SiC composites under extreme conditions.