title: Percutaneous computed tomography-guided cryotherapy of thoracic masses in nonsurgical candidates: experience in 19 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Percutaneous cryotherapy has become a minimally invasive treatment option for unresectable lung malignancies. We report the experience and outcomes with percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided cryotherapy of primary lung malignancies, as well as recurrence and metastases, in patients ineligible for surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The procedure was performed after administration of local anesthesia on 23 tumors in 19 patients (10 male and 9 female patients; mean age, 58.7 years). None of the patients were surgical candidates and underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryotherapy for treatment of the malignant mass in the lung. Visualization of low-attenuation ice ball formation was performed using CT scanning after each cycle of freezing and thawing therapy. Subsequent CT scans were scheduled at 3-month intervals post-procedure to assess tumor control.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No lethal complication, major bleeding or bronchial damage was observed in any of the 23-cryotherapy sessions performed. Three patients developed pneumothorax and one patient required chest tube insertion. Thirteen tumors (56.5%) regressed, including two complete responses, five tumors (21.7%) were stationary and the remaining five tumors (21.7%) were found to be progressing at the 3-month follow-ups. No recurrence was found in the 11 regressed tumors for 6 months, and there was also no recunence in the two tumors that completely responded up to 12 months later with a satisfactory procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Percutaneous cryotherapy for primary lung cancer, recurrence and metastatic lung tumors is feasible and safe for local control.
authors: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung and Linkou Medical Center, Keelung, Taiwan. chan3015@gmail.com
authors: Siu-Cheung
authors: SC
authors: Chan
authors: Hui-Ping
authors: HP
authors: Liu
authors: Winnie Chiu-Wing
authors: WC
authors: Chu
authors: Tzu-Ping
authors: TP
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*