Argon-helium knife cryoablation for the treatment of liver metastases from gastric cancer

Objective: To evaluate the curative effect and safety of percutaneous argon-helium knife cryoablation in treating patients with liver metastases from gastric cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 24 patients with liver metastases from gastric cancer, who had received percutaneous argon-helium knife cryoablation therapy, were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 33 metastatic lesions could be used for evaluation. CT-guided percutaneous argon-helium knife cryoablation of liver metastases was carried out in all patients. The 3-month, 6-month and 12-month local control rate, overall survival (OS) rate, progression-free survival (PFS), incidence of recurrence, preoperative and postoperative quality of life, and complications were documented. Results: The median follow-up time was 14 months (6-48 months). After cryoablation therapy, the quality of life was improved significantly. The 3-month, 6-month and 12-month local control rates were 91.7%, 73.9% and 52.6% respectively. After cryoablation therapy, the median PFS was 8 months (1-16 months), the median survival time was 16 months, and the one-year and 2-year survival rates were 75.0% and 37.5% respectively. No severe complications occurred. Conclusion: For the treatment of liver metastases from gastric cancer, percutaneous argon-helium knife cryoablation is safe and effective with reliable short-term curative effect, the patient's quality of life can be well improved. (authors)