Analgesia of percutaneous thermal ablation plus cementoplasty for cancer bone metastases

Background: The purpose of this study was to review recent research related to the analgesic effect of ablation therapy combined with cementoplasty, as well as to identify the duration of analgesic effect and risk for cement leaks. Methods: A systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and annual meeting proceedings of the oncology society and other organizations were conducted. Results: Twelve retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria. Four of the studies included in the review assessed the changes immediately after treatment. Five studies were subjected to analyses of analgesic effect of combined percutaneous thermal ablation and Cementoplasty at 24 weeks after treatment. Incidences of leakage of bone cement during surgery were detected in 4 out of 12 studies. The change of mean pain scores at 1 days, at 1 week, and at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after treatment were - 3.90 (95% CI: - 4.80 to - 3.00), - 4.55 (95% CI: - 5.46 to - 3.64), -4.78 (95% CI: - 5.70 to - 3.86), - 5.16 (95% CI: - 6.39 to - 3.92), and - 5.91 (95% CI: - 6.63 to - 5.19). The relative risk of cement leakage was 0.10 (95% CI: - 6.63 to - 5.19). Conclusions: Our systematic review suggested that thermal ablation combined with cementoplasty could be a safe and effective intervention for the management of bone metastases-induced pain.