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A meta-analysis evaluating the role of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a fourth treatment modality for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Abdominal Radiology volume 47, pages 254–264 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Odds Ratio, Weighted Mean Difference, and 95% Confidence Interval were evaluated by means of the Random-Effects model.

Results

Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 939 patients. This study reveals that patients in the HIFU group presented increased median overall survival (OS), along with higher OS at 6 and 12 months after treatment compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients treated with HIFU in conjunction with chemotherapy presented reduced levels of pain (p < 0.05) compared to the traditional treatment group. In addition, HIFU contributed to significant tumor responsiveness, in terms of CA19-9 reduction (p < 0.05). Finally, HIFU was a considerably safe treatment modality with a low incidence of complications.

Conclusion

These outcomes suggest that HIFU is a feasible and safe treatment modality for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and provides enhanced outcomes regarding survival and quality of life. Given the lack of a significant number of randomized clinical trials, this meta-analysis represents the best currently available evidence. New randomized trials assessing HIFU are necessary to further evaluate their outcomes.

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Availability of data and material

Raw data and material are available upon request. Supplementary electronic material is provided.

Code availability

Review Manager 5.4 was employed for the present study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Thessaly, 41110, Biopolis, Larissa, Greece

    Maria P. Fergadi, Dimitrios E. Magouliotis, Christos Rountas, Marianna Vlychou & Polyxeni A. Pappa

  2. Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, UCL, London, UK

    Dimitrios E. Magouliotis

  3. Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Hospital, London, W2 1NY, UK

    Thanos Athanasiou

  4. Department of Surgery, University of Thessaly, 41110, Biopolis, Larissa, Greece

    Dimitris Symeonidis & Dimitris Zacharoulis

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  1. Maria P. Fergadi
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Contributions

MPF contributed to the conception and design of the work, the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data for the work, the drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work. DEM contributed to the design of the work, the interpretation of data for the work, the revising of the work critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work. CR contributed to the acquisition and analysis of data for the work, the drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work. MV contributed to the acquisition and analysis of data for the work, the drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work. TA contributed to the design of the work, the acquisition and analysis of data for the work, the drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work. DS contributed to the acquisition and analysis of data for the work, the drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work. PAP contributed to the acquisition and analysis of data for the work, the drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work. DZ contributed to the conception and design of the work, the interpretation of data for the work, the revising of the work critically for important intellectual content, the final approval of the version to be published and is accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Dimitris Zacharoulis.

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Cite this article

Fergadi, M.P., Magouliotis, D.E., Rountas, C. et al. A meta-analysis evaluating the role of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a fourth treatment modality for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Abdom Radiol 47, 254–264 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03334-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03334-y

Keywords

  • High-intensity focused ultrasound
  • HIFU
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Meta-analysis

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