An ultra-low-dose protocol for computed tomography-guided lung radiofrequency ablations

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for lung tumors.
• Standard protocols (SP) for lung RFA involve significant radiation exposure.
• Optimizing radiation dose while maintaining efficacy is crucial in interventional radiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an ultra-low-dose (ULD) CT protocol for lung RFA.
• To compare radiation dose indicators, technical efficacy, and complication rates between ULD and SP groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 61 patients undergoing lung RFA between November 2017 and January 2021.
• Patients were divided into two groups: SP (n=30) and ULD (n=31).
• Data collected included patient characteristics, dose indicators (dose-length product, effective dose), minimal margin (MM), recurrence, and complications.

Main Results:

• The ULD group showed a 1.5-fold to 3-fold decrease in all dose indicators compared to the SP group (p<0.001).
• Median effective dose was 2.5 mSv (ULD) vs. 6.5 mSv (SP).
• No significant differences were observed in minimal margin (MM), local recurrence rates, or complication rates between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Implementing an ULD protocol for lung RFA can significantly reduce radiation dose indicators.
• The ULD protocol demonstrates comparable technical efficacy and safety profile to the SP.
• ULD protocols may also reduce intra- and interoperator variability in lung RFA procedures.