Computed tomography-guided percutaneous microwave ablation therapy for lung cancer

This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and value of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation therapy (PMAT) for lung cancer without surgical treatment. A total of 39 lesions in 29 patients with peripheral lung cancer were treated by CT-guided PMAT under local anesthesia. The microwave energy was 50-70 W at a frequency of 2450 MHz. The treatment was performed by using 1 or 2 points of ablation emission according to the size and shape of the tumor. Operations were completed in 29 patients. The average operating time was 8 min (range: 5-12 min). After PMAT, lower density in the ablated area was observed by CT. Pre- and post-treatment CT values were 52.60 and 26.12 Hu, respectively. Eight, 14, 4, and 3 patients achieved complete remission, partial remission, stable status, and progression, respectively, for an effectiveness rate of 75.86%. Complications included 5, 2, and 15 cases of pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and fever, respectively. No needle track implantation was observed. Mean progression-free survival was 14.6 months. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 91.3 and 82.6%, respectively. Thus, PMAT is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment for lung cancer. It can improve quality of life, prolong survival, and improve the survival rate.