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Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Radiofrequency ablation for recurrent pelvic cancer.
1Department of Digestive Surgery, Hospital Saint-Antonine AP-HP, Univerisity Pierre et Marie Curie Paris VI, Paris, France.
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a feasible treatment for recurrent pelvic cancer in patients ineligible for surgery. While RFA provides good symptom control, particularly for pain, it is associated with significant complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Local recurrence of pelvic cancer presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Patients with recurrent pelvic cancer often have limited treatment options, especially if not candidates for curative surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating recurrent pelvic cancer in patients unsuitable for surgical resection.
- To assess symptom control and complications associated with RFA in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient charts for individuals treated with RFA for pelvic recurrence between March 2004 and March 2005.
- Analysis included patient demographics, primary tumor characteristics, recurrence details, RFA procedure specifics, complications, and follow-up outcomes.
Main Results:
- Eight patients with inoperable local pelvic recurrence (six rectal adenocarcinoma, two sarcoma) underwent RFA.
- Complications were observed in six patients, including pain, ureteric obstruction, and colo-vesical fistula.
- After a median follow-up of 18.2 months, six patients survived, with pain relief reported in previously symptomatic individuals.
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency ablation is a viable therapeutic option for recurrent pelvic cancer in patients not amenable to curative surgery.
- RFA demonstrates effectiveness in controlling symptoms, particularly pain, but is associated with considerable morbidity.
