Image-guided percutaneous ablation for the treatment of lung malignancies: current state of the art

Image-guided percutaneous lung ablation has proven to be a valid treatment alternative in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma or oligometastatic lung disease. Available ablative modalities include radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation. Currently, there are no sufficiently representative studies to determine significant differences between the results of these techniques. However, a common feature among them is their excellent tolerance with very few complications. For optimal treatment, radiologists must carefully select the patients to be treated, perform a refined ablative technique, and have a detailed knowledge of the radiological features following lung ablation. Although no randomized studies comparing image-guided percutaneous lung ablation with surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy are available, the current literature demonstrates equivalent survival rates. This review will discuss image-guided percutaneous lung ablation features, including available modalities, approved indications, possible complications, published results, and future applications.