Clinical and Metabolic Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation with Vertebral Augmentation for Symptomatic Spinal Osteolytic Lesions in Multiple Myeloma.

This retrospective single-center study evaluated clinical and local metabolic outcomes after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with vertebral augmentation in patients with multiple myeloma and symptomatic spinal osteolytic lesions. Twenty patients with 45 lesions underwent treatment between 2018 and 2024 (mean follow-up, 14.6 months). Pain, disability, and functional status were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) at 3-6 months evaluated fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake at treated lesions. Mean VAS score improved from 8.2 to 3.8 at 12 months (P < .001), with parallel improvements in ODI and KPS. Mean maximum standardized uptake value decreased by 62.5% at treated lesions. No new vertebral fractures or progressive collapse was observed, and 2 minor adverse events occurred. RFA combined with vertebral augmentation was associated with sustained pain relief, functional improvement, and reduced FDG uptake, supporting its role as a local palliative and stabilizing therapy.