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Verhagen CAM, van der Velden AL, Bale R, Bozzi E, Crocetti L, Denys A, van Erp GCM, Gholamiankhah F, Greco G, Hendriks P, Knapen RRMM, Kobeiter H, Lanocita R, Meijerink MR, Orsi F, Phillips A, Rahmani H, Smits MLJ, van Strijen MJL, van Dam RM, van der Leij C, Burgmans MC. The Paradox of Modern Technology in Standardizing Thermal Liver Ablation: Fostering Uniformity or Diversity? Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00270-024-03846-2. [PMID: 39227426 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-024-03846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coosje A M Verhagen
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Reto Bale
- Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elena Bozzi
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Crocetti
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alban Denys
- Department of Radiology and Interventional Radiology, CHUV University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gonnie C M van Erp
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Faeze Gholamiankhah
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Giorgio Greco
- Department of Radiology, Foundation IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Pim Hendriks
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robrecht R M M Knapen
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hicham Kobeiter
- Radiology Department, H. Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University Paris Est Creteil, Creteil, France
| | - Rodolfo Lanocita
- Department of Radiology, Foundation IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Martijn R Meijerink
- Department of Radiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Franco Orsi
- Department of Interventional Radiology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Phillips
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Hossein Rahmani
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten L J Smits
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ronald M van Dam
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Oncology, European Surgery Center Aachen Maastricht, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark C Burgmans
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Hendriks P, Boel F, Oosterveer TTM, Broersen A, de Geus-Oei LF, Dijkstra J, Burgmans MC. Ablation margin quantification after thermal ablation of malignant liver tumors: How to optimize the procedure? A systematic review of the available evidence. Eur J Radiol Open 2023; 11:100501. [PMID: 37405153 PMCID: PMC10316004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2023.100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction To minimize the risk of local tumor progression after thermal ablation of liver malignancies, complete tumor ablation with sufficient ablation margins is a prerequisite. This has resulted in ablation margin quantification to become a rapidly evolving field. The aim of this systematic review is to give an overview of the available literature with respect to clinical studies and technical aspects potentially influencing the interpretation and evaluation of ablation margins. Methods The Medline database was reviewed for studies on radiofrequency and microwave ablation of liver cancer, ablation margins, image processing and tissue shrinkage. Studies included in this systematic review were analyzed for qualitative and quantitative assessment methods of ablation margins, segmentation and co-registration methods, and the potential influence of tissue shrinkage occurring during thermal ablation. Results 75 articles were included of which 58 were clinical studies. In most clinical studies the aimed minimal ablation margin (MAM) was ≥ 5 mm. In 10/31 studies, MAM quantification was performed in 3D rather than in three orthogonal image planes. Segmentations were performed either semi-automatically or manually. Rigid and non-rigid co-registration algorithms were used about as often. Tissue shrinkage rates ranged from 7% to 74%. Conclusions There is a high variability in ablation margin quantification methods. Prospectively obtained data and a validated robust workflow are needed to better understand the clinical value. Interpretation of quantified ablation margins may be influenced by tissue shrinkage, as this may cause underestimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim Hendriks
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Fleur Boel
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Timo TM Oosterveer
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Broersen
- LKEB Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lioe-Fee de Geus-Oei
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, University of Twente, the Netherlands
| | - Jouke Dijkstra
- LKEB Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mark C Burgmans
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Knapen RRMM, Korenblik R, James S, Dams G, Olij B, de Boer SW, van Dam RM, van der Leij C. The Effect of Microwave and Radiofrequency Ablation (MWA/RFA) on Liver Volume in Patients with Primary and Secondary Liver Tumours: A Retrospective Analysis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2023:10.1007/s00270-023-03503-0. [PMID: 37430014 PMCID: PMC10382361 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-023-03503-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is known that thermal liver ablation can induce liver hypertrophy. However, exact impact in liver volume remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of radiofrequency or microwave ablation (RFA/MWA) on liver volume in patients with primary and secondary liver lesions. Findings can be relevant in assessing the potential extra benefit of thermal liver ablation in preoperatively performed liver hypertrophy inducing procedures, such as portal vein embolization (PVE). METHODS Between January 2014-May 2022, 69 invasive treatment naïve patients with primary (n = 43) or secondary/metastatic (n = 26) liver lesions (in all segments, except in segments II/III) treated percutaneously by RFA/MWA were included. Total liver volume (TLV), segment II + III volume (serving as "distant liver volume"), ablation zone volume and absolute liver volume (ALV, calculated by subtracting the ablation zone volume from the TLV) were the study outcomes. RESULTS ALV in patients with secondary liver lesions increased to a median percentage of 106.87% (IQR = 99.66-113.03%, p = 0.016), volume of segments II/III increased to a median percentage of 105.81% (IQR = 100.06-115.65%, p = 0.003). ALV and segments II/III in patients with primary liver tumours remained stable, with a median percentage of 98.72% (IQR = 92.99-108.35%, p = 0.856) and 100.43% (IQR = 92.85-109.41%, p = 0.699), respectively. CONCLUSION In patients with secondary liver tumours, ALV and segments II/III increased after MWA/RFA by an average of approximately 6%, while ALV in patients with primary liver lesions remained unchanged. Besides the curative intent, these findings indicate the potential added benefit of thermal liver ablation on FLR hypertrophy inducing procedures in patients with secondary liver lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3, non-controlled retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robrecht R M M Knapen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- CARIM, School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Remon Korenblik
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sinead James
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Glenn Dams
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Zuyderland, Sittard, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Olij
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne W de Boer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CARIM, School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald M van Dam
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christiaan van der Leij
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lin YM, Paolucci I, Anderson BM, O'Connor CS, Rigaud B, Briones-Dimayuga M, Jones KA, Brock KK, Fellman BM, Odisio BC. Study Protocol COVER-ALL: Clinical Impact of a Volumetric Image Method for Confirming Tumour Coverage with Ablation on Patients with Malignant Liver Lesions. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2022; 45:1860-1867. [PMID: 36058995 PMCID: PMC9712233 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-022-03255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to evaluate the intra-procedural use of a novel ablation confirmation (AC) method, consisting of biomechanical deformable image registration incorporating AI-based auto-segmentation, and its impact on tumor coverage by quantitative three-dimensional minimal ablative margin (MAM) CT-generated assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-center, randomized, phase II, intent-to-treat trial is enrolling 100 subjects with primary and secondary liver tumors (≤ 3 tumors, 1-5 cm in diameter) undergoing microwave or radiofrequency ablation with a goal of achieving ≥ 5 mm MAM. For the experimental arm, the proposed novel AC method is utilized for ablation applicator(s) placement verification and MAM assessment. For the control arm, the same variables are assessed by visual inspection and anatomical landmarks-based quantitative measurements aided by co-registration of pre- and post-ablation contrast-enhanced CT images. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of the proposed AC method on the MAM. Secondary objectives are 2-year LTP-free survival, complication rates, quality of life, liver function, other oncological outcomes, and impact of AC method on procedure workflow. DISCUSSION The COVER-ALL trial will provide information on the role of a biomechanical deformable image registration-based ablation confirmation method incorporating AI-based auto-segmentation for improving MAM, which might translate in improvements of liver ablation efficacy. CONCLUSION The COVER-ALL trial aims to provide information on the role of a novel intra-procedural AC method for improving MAM, which might translate in improvements of liver ablation efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04083378.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Mao Lin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Iwan Paolucci
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Brian M Anderson
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, TX, 77030, Houston, USA
| | - Caleb S O'Connor
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, TX, 77030, Houston, USA
| | - Bastien Rigaud
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, TX, 77030, Houston, USA
| | - Maria Briones-Dimayuga
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kyle A Jones
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, TX, 77030, Houston, USA
| | - Kristy K Brock
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, TX, 77030, Houston, USA
| | - Bryan M Fellman
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bruno C Odisio
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Faber RA, Burghout KST, Bijlstra OD, Hendriks P, van Erp GCM, Broersen A, Dijkstra J, Vahrmeijer AL, Burgmans MC, Mieog JSD. Three-dimensional quantitative margin assessment in patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with percutaneous thermal ablation using semi-automatic rigid MRI/CECT-CECT co-registration. Eur J Radiol 2022; 156:110552. [PMID: 36228455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the quantitative minimal ablation margin (MAM) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) treated with percutaneous thermal ablation (TA) and correlate the quantitative MAM with local tumour recurrence (LTR). METHOD Thirty-nine of 143 patients with solitary or multiple CRLM who underwent a first percutaneous TA procedure between January 2011 and May 2020 were considered eligible for study enrolment. Image fusion of pre- and post-ablation scans and 3D quantitative MAM assessment was performed using the in-house developed semi-automatic rigid MRI/CECT-CECT co-registration software deLIVERed. The quantitative MAM was analysed and correlated with LTR. RESULTS Eighteen (46 %) patients were additionally excluded from further analyses due to suboptimal co-registration (quality co-registration score ≤ 3). The quality of co-registration was considered sufficient in 21 (54 %) patients with a total of 29 CRLM. LTR was found in 5 of 29 (17 %) TA-treated CRLM. In total, 12 (41 %) negative MAMs were measured (mean MAM -4.7 ± 2.7 mm). Negative MAMs were significantly more frequently seen in patients who developed LTR (100 %) compared to those without LTR (29 %; p = 0.003). The median MAM of patients who developed LTR (-6.6 mm (IQR -9.5 to -4.6)) was significantly smaller compared to the median MAM of patients without LTR (0.5 mm (IQR -1.8 to 3.0); p < 0.001). The ROC curve showed high accuracy in predicting LTR for the quantitative MAM (area under the curve of 0.975 ± 0.029). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of 3D quantitative MAM assessment, using deLIVERed co-registration software, to assess technical success of TA in patients with CRLM and to predict LTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Faber
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kimberly S T Burghout
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Okker D Bijlstra
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pim Hendriks
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gonnie C M van Erp
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Broersen
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jouke Dijkstra
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander L Vahrmeijer
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mark C Burgmans
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J Sven D Mieog
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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