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Radiofrequency ablation: a minimally invasive technique with multiple applications
A J Bilchik1, D M Rose, D P Allegra
1John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California 90404, USA.
The Cancer Journal From Scientific American
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) effectively treats unresectable liver tumors. This minimally invasive technique offers a safe alternative, reducing hospital stays and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an FDA-approved soft tissue treatment using electrical current via a needle.
- Hepatic malignancies pose treatment challenges due to distribution, number, or liver dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA for unresectable hepatic malignancies.
- To assess RFA as a primary or adjunctive therapy for liver tumors.
Main Methods:
- 50 patients with 132 unresectable hepatic metastases underwent RFA.
- Tumors ranged from 0.5 to 9 cm; real-time ultrasonography guided ablation at ~100°C for 8 minutes.
- RFA was performed percutaneously, laparoscopically, or via celiotomy, sometimes combined with other therapies.
Main Results:
- Median follow-up of 6 months showed 27 patients disease-free, 17 alive with disease, and 6 deceased.
- Percutaneous and laparoscopic RFA resulted in shorter hospital stays (1 day) compared to celiotomy (5 days).
- Significant reduction in tumor markers and identification of new lesions with intraoperative ultrasonography were observed.
Conclusions:
- RFA is a safe and effective treatment for unresectable hepatic malignancies.
- Adjunctive RFA can decrease cryosurgery morbidity.
- Percutaneous and laparoscopic RFA offer effective treatment with minimal hospitalization; intraoperative ultrasonography is crucial for staging.