Primary malignant tumours of the bony pelvis: US-guided high intensity focused ultrasound ablation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to evaluate the value of ultrasound (US)-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation in the treatment of primary malignant tumours of the bony pelvis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Eleven patients with primary malignant tumours of the bony pelvis received US-guided HIFU ablation. The maximum tumour size ranged from 5.6 to 25.0 cm (median 10.5 cm). Treatment was curative in four patients and palliative in seven patients. During follow-up, the effectiveness of HIFU ablation was assessed by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR).

RESULTS

Significant coagulative necrosis was obtained in all patients after scheduled HIFU ablations; the volume ablation ratio was 86.7% ± 12.5% (range 65-100%). Complete tumour necrosis was achieved in all patients receiving curative HIFU ablation. No major complications were encountered. No patients died of local tumour progression during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided HIFU ablation may be a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for the local treatment of primary malignant tumours of the bony pelvis.