Argon-helium cryoablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of malignant adrenal neoplasms: initial experience in 16 cases

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of argon-helium cryoablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treating malignant adrenal neoplasms. Methods: During the period from June 2006 to September 2010, sixteen patients with malignant adrenal neoplasms were treated with argon-helium cryoablation combined with TACE in authors' hospital. The therapeutic effect was evaluated with contrast-enhanced CT scanning and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results: One month after the treatment of argon-helium cryoablation combined with TACE, the local effect was 100% and remission rate was 93.75%. The median survival time was 19.2 months. No serious complications occurred. Conclusion: For the treatment of malignant adrenal neoplasms, argon-helium cryoablation combined with TACE is safe and effective, therefore, this technique should be recommended in clinical practice. (authors)