EUS-RFA of the pancreas: where are we and future directions

Surgical resection remains the gold standard for pancreatic cancer, high-risk pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs). However, a majority of pancreatic cancers are unresectable at the time of diagnosis. In addition, surgical resection of pancreatic lesions can be associated with morbidity and mortality. A less-invasive alternative therapeutic intervention to avoid short term and long-term adverse events is desirable, as is a minimally-invasive palliative therapy for unresectable or recurrent pancreatic cancers. Endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) allows for selective tissue ablation with minimal injury to the surrounding tissue. EUS-RFA of pancreatic tumors has shown high clinical and technical success with acceptable side effects in pancreatic lesions, lymph nodes, and the celiac plexus. This paper will review the pathophysiology, available technology, safety and efficacy, and future directions of EUS-RFA.