Treatment of malignant paravertebral and mesenchymal tumor pain with cryoablation

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of cryoablation in treating pain caused by malignant paravertebral and mesenchymal tumor. Methods: Cryoablation was performed in 31 patients with unresectable and painful malignant paravertebral and mesenchymal tumors whose pain was poorly controlled by conventional treatment methods. Tumors ranged in size from 3 cm to 20 cm. Pain experienced by the patient was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) at 0, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-cryoablation. Results: BPI scores were divided into two categories, i.e., the influence and the se- verity of pain. Both categories showed downward trend after cryoablation. Pain severity score significantly decreased (P=0.001, t= 3.862; P=0.031, t=2.261) 1 day and 1 month after cryoablation. Pain influence score also significantly decreased (P=0.016, t=2.566; P= 0.036, t=2.195) 1 day and 1 week after cryoablation. Two patients (6.45%) had mild complications, and no serious complication was ob- served. Conclusion: Cryoablation is a low-risk and well-tolerated topical treatment for pain caused by unresectable malignant paraverte- bral and mesenchymal tumors.