Radiofrequency and microwave ablation of lung tumors

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Surgical resection remains the standard treatment for early stage, non-small cell lung cancer, and limited pulmonary metastases. However, many patients with resectable disease have significant co-morbidities which preclude surgical resection. Radiofrequency and microwave ablation are emerging modalities of treatment for these high-risk patients. Here, we review the principles, common devices in use, and treatment results of ablative therapy for lung tumors.