Early endocrine, bone, and inflammatory responses to microwave ablation for hyperparathyroidism: preliminary study
Ying Wei1, Zhenlong Zhao1, Jie Wu1
1Department of Interventional Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) rapidly normalizes hormone levels and impacts bone and inflammatory markers in hyperparathyroidism (HPT) patients. This minimally invasive procedure shows promising short-term effects on skeletal health and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Interventional Radiology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) involves hormonal imbalances affecting calcium and bone metabolism.
- Current treatments for HPT may have limitations or side effects.
- Minimally invasive techniques are being explored for HPT management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate short-term changes in hormonal, bone metabolic, and inflammatory markers following ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with HPT.
- To assess the efficacy and impact of MWA on biochemical parameters in primary and secondary HPT.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen patients with HPT (14 primary, 5 secondary) underwent MWA.
- Serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone turnover markers (PINP, BALP, FGF-23), and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured at baseline, day 1, and month 1 post-ablation.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in iPTH and calcium were observed by day 1 post-MWA, with sustained iPTH reduction at month 1.
- Bone metabolic markers showed varied changes: PINP increased at month 1, BALP trended upward, and FGF-23 declined.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) peaked at day 1 and decreased by month 1, indicating an early inflammatory response.
- Primary HPT patients showed significant decreases in iPTH and calcium, with increased PINP and decreased FGF-23.
- No severe hypocalcemia occurred; transient hoarseness was noted in two patients.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation effectively induces rapid biochemical normalization in hyperparathyroidism patients.
- MWA leads to early changes in bone metabolism and inflammatory markers.
- The procedure demonstrates potential as a minimally invasive treatment option for HPT with a favorable short-term safety profile.
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