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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: meta-analysis & systematic review
Mathias Birrer1,2, Baraa Saad3, Susanne Drews1
1Department of Visceral Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Baselland, Liestal, Switzerland.
Surgical Endoscopy
|December 10, 2024
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) shows promise for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (UPAC). While RFA has a manageable safety profile, further high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in improving survival for UPAC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a challenging malignancy with a poor prognosis.
- Unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (UPAC) presents significant treatment difficulties.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is being explored as a therapeutic option for UPAC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (UPAC).
- To assess survival rates and complication profiles associated with RFA in UPAC management.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on RFA for UPAC.
- Searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases up to October 2023.
- Included studies involving patients over 18 years undergoing RFA for UPAC, assessing survival and complication rates.
Main Results:
- Nine studies with 265 patients were analyzed.
- Pooled 12-month and 24-month mortality rates were 50.4% and 61.9%, respectively.
- Common complications included intra-abdominal (10.1%), pancreatic (9.8%), and hepatobiliary (6.7%).
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) demonstrates potential in managing unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (UPAC).
- The safety profile of RFA appears manageable.
- High heterogeneity and risk of bias necessitate well-designed randomized controlled trials to validate findings and standardize protocols.
