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. 2022 Nov 1;34(11):1111-1115.
doi: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002422. Epub 2022 Sep 10.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of premalignant pancreatic-cystic neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors: prospective study

Fadi Younis  1 , Dana Ben-Ami Shor  1 , Nir Lubezky  2 , Ravit Geva  3 , Esther Osher  4 , Oren Shibolet  1 , Adam Phillips  1 , Erez Scapa  1
Affiliations

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of premalignant pancreatic-cystic neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors: prospective study

Fadi Younis et al. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. .

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) is a developing therapeutic approach for premalignant pancreatic-cystic neoplasms (PCNs) and small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). The safety and efficacy of pancreatic EUS-RFA were previously reported in small series. Herein we report our initial experience with RFA of PCNs and small PNETs.

Methods: This is a prospective single-center study including 12 patients with a median follow-up of 7 months, with either PCN or PNET <2 cm. Eligible PCNs were either intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) with worrisome features or mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) that were not eligible or refused surgery. Ablation was performed using a 19-gauge dedicated needle.

Results: Twelve patients were treated, five had PCNs (four IPMNs, one MCN; median size of 36 mm, range 12-60) and seven had PNETs (median size 8.9 mm, range 6-18). Among patients with PCNs, the complete radiologic response was achieved in 3/5 (60%), partial response in 1/5 (20%) and failure in 1/5 (20%). Among six patients with nonfunctioning PNETs, the complete radiologic response was achieved in 4/6 (66.7%), partial radiologic response in 0/6 (0%) and failure in 2/6 (33.3%). Following a median follow-up of 7 months. One patient with insulinoma showed complete resolution of hypoglycemia-related symptoms. Three postprocedural adverse events occurred, including one case (1/12, 8.3%) of mild acute pancreatitis and two cases (2/12, 16.7%) of abdominal pain.

Conclusion: EUS-guided RFA for premalignant PCNs and PNETs is feasible and well-tolerated. Efficacy would be further evaluated with continued follow-up of patients.

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