A single‐institution pediatric and young adult interventional oncology collaborative: Novel therapeutic options for relapsed/refractory solid tumors

BACKGROUND: Pediatric interventional oncology (PIO) is a growing field intended to provide additional or alternative treatment options for pediatric patients with benign or malignant tumors. Large series of patients treated uniformly and subjected to rigorous endpoints for efficacy are not available. METHODS: We designed a collaborative initiative to capture data from pediatric patients with benign and malignant tumors who underwent a therapeutic interventional radiology procedure. Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) was utilized as a measure of radiologic response and data were collected regarding improvement in pain and functional endpoints. Cumulative incidence of progressive disease was calculated using both the treated site and the patient as the analytic unit. FINDINGS: Forty patients, 16 with malignant tumors and 24 with benign tumors, underwent a total of 88 procedures. Cryo‐ and radiofrequency ablation were the most frequently utilized techniques for both cohorts of patients. A complete or partial response, or prolonged disease stability, were achieved in approximately 40% of patients with malignant tumors and 60% of patients with benign tumors. No patients had progressive disease as their best response. Resolution of pain and improved mobility with return‐to‐baseline activity were demonstrated across patients from both cohorts. Only minor complications were experienced. INTERPRETATION: Interventional radiology‐guided interventions can serve as an alternative or complementary approach to the treatment of benign and malignant tumors in pediatric patients. Prospective, multi‐institutional trials are required to adequately study utility, treatment endpoints, and durability of response.