100 - Transarterial Embolization and Percutaneous Cryoablation in Soft Tissue Tumors: A Feasible Palliative Approach

Purpose: Soft tissue tumors (STTs) are rare, heterogenous neoplasms with over 100 histologically distinct subtypes, ranging from benign, intermediate and malignant lesions of mesenchymal origin. Accurate diagnosis and management of soft tissue tumors necessitate a multimodal approach that integrates clinical assessment, advanced imaging, and histopathologic analysis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transarterial embolization (TAE) and percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) as a palliative treatment strategy for primary, metastatic, and recurrent (STTs) at a local institution.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study at a quaternary academic medical center included 6 adult patients. Between 2024 and 2025, a total of 7 transarterial embolization (TAE) and percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) procedures were performed. Demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical outcomes were collected. The median tumor volume was 464 cm³ (range: 20–19,153 cm³). Treatment-related changes in size, devascularization and intratumoral necrosis were recorded. Assessment of symptoms prior and post treatment was used to assess palliative management. Median number of months to follow-up was 2 (range: 1–4).

Results: The cohort consisted of 4 male and 2 female patients with a median age of 61yo (range: 29–90). Diagnoses included malignant and benign pathologies in the chest wall, abdominal wall, and upper/lower extremities. All procedures achieved technical success with angiographic tumor devascularization. No major peri-procedural complications occurred. 4 out of 6 patients were discharged same day. 2 patients with poor pain control prior to intervention were admitted 1 night for pain management. One patient underwent a subsequent intervention for tumor progression, although demonstrating clinical improvement in pain control post (TAE) and (PCA). Symptom improvement and a marked reduction in tumor hypervascularity was reported in all patients who presented to clinic for follow up (n=3).

Conclusion: Dual application of TAE and PCA for STTs is not well defined in current literature. Our results demonstrate a safe, feasible, and reproducible approach for palliative treatment in unresectable soft tissue tumors. While follow-up in this initial study was limited, findings suggest that TAE and PCA can provide subjective pain control and local disease stabilization, even in patients with recurrent or advanced disease. Larger studies are needed to better define the role of combined embolization and ablation in the multidisciplinary care of patients with complex STTs.