The role of microwave ablation in management of functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is considered to be the only potentially curative option for patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). High risk rates of perioperative complications make minimally invasive ablative techniques a novel perspective and alternative treatment option for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. This study aims to present the first experience of using a microwave ablation in management of pNETs.

METHODS

Sechenov University has an experience of treating more than 400 patients with hormone-producing tumors of the pancreas, 7 of which were treated by microwave ablation (MWA).

RESULTS

In all patients that underwent MWA, a regression of hormonal symptomatic was achieved. Two patients required readmission a month later for draining of pseudocyst and abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

The exact role of microwave ablation in the treatment of non-metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors has not been defined yet. There is a lack of large prospective randomized studies and the reason for this is that local tumor destruction is indicated in selected cases only, thus making it difficult to analyze a large group of patients and assess long-term results of the treatment. However, microwave ablation allows to take a better control of symptoms in patients with hormone overproduction and in those with high risk of postoperative complications.