CT-guided microwave ablation in patients with lung metastases from breast cancer

Background Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) is a very common ablation method that shows a good local tumor control rate in primary and secondary lung tumors. At present, few reports have explored the safety and efficacy of MWA for lung metastases from breast cancer. Methods From January 2012 to January 2018, 32 breast cancer patients with 46 pulmonary metastases received CT-guided percutaneous MWA. The study was approved by the local institutional review board. The clinical efficacy and complications of MWA were investigated. Results The median follow-up time was 32 months and the main effective rate was 97.8% (45/46). Five of 46 lesions had local progression (10.9%), with a median progression time of 10 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 96.9%, 53.3%, and 17.8%, respectively. The median OS time was 36 months. Among 46 MWA treatments, 11 (23.9%) had massive pneumothorax, two (4.3%) had massive pleural effusion, and two (4.3%) had a pulmonary infection. Conclusion CT-guided percutaneous MWA may be safe and effective for treating lung metastases from breast cancer.