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Radio-frequency tissue ablation of VX2 tumor nodules in the rabbit lung
S N Goldberg1, G S Gazelle, C C Compton
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Rationale And Objectives:
The authors investigated whether small pulmonary malignancies could be treated with computed tomography (CT)-guided, percutaneously placed radio-frequency (RF) electrodes.
Methods:
Pulmonary tumors were created in 11 New Zealand white rabbits by using CT-guided injection of a VX2 sarcoma cell suspension into the lower portion of the right lung. Tumors were allowed to grow 14-21 days to achieve a diameter of 6-12 mm. Electrodes were placed coaxially into the tumors via insulated 19-gauge Turner needles. Seven tumors were treated with RF for 6 minutes at 90 degrees C. Four tumors served as controls and were not treated. Follow-up CT and histopathologic analysis were performed on days 0-28. Specimens from treated rabbits were examined histopathologically on days 0 and 3 (n = 2 each), and days 1, 5, and 28 (n = 1 each).
Results:
Immediately following treatment, CT images showed rounded opacities enveloping the tumor. This corresponded histologically to coagulation necrosis of tumor and surrounding alveoli. In all cases, at least 95% of treated tumor nodules were necrotic at histopathologic analysis. Peripheral residual nests of histologically viable tumor were seen in three rabbits (43%). Control rabbits showed growing tumor nodules without necrosis at autopsy (mean survival, 23 days after inoculation). Two RF-treated rabbits (29%) and one control rabbit (25%) had pneumothoraces.
Conclusion:
Percutaneous RF tissue ablation can be used to successfully treat small parenchymal tumor nodules within the lung in an animal model.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT)-guided radio-frequency (RF) ablation effectively treated small lung tumors in rabbits. This minimally invasive technique achieved significant tumor necrosis, offering a promising approach for pulmonary malignancy management.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Small pulmonary malignancies pose treatment challenges.
- Minimally invasive techniques are sought for lung tumor ablation.
- Computed tomography (CT)-guided procedures offer precise targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous radio-frequency (RF) electrode placement for treating small pulmonary tumors.
- To assess the histopathological outcomes of RF ablation in a rabbit VX2 sarcoma lung tumor model.
Main Methods:
- VX2 sarcoma cells were injected into rabbit lungs to create tumors (6-12 mm diameter).
- CT-guided percutaneous placement of RF electrodes into tumors.
- Seven tumors treated with RF (90°C for 6 minutes); four served as controls. Follow-up included CT and histopathology.
Main Results:
- CT showed opacities consistent with coagulation necrosis post-RF treatment.
- Histopathology confirmed ≥95% tumor necrosis in treated nodules; 43% had residual viable tumor.
- Control tumors grew without necrosis; complication rates (pneumothorax) were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous radio-frequency (RF) tissue ablation is a viable method for treating small lung tumors.
- This technique demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing tumor size and viability in an animal model.
- CT-guided RF ablation represents a promising minimally invasive therapeutic option for pulmonary nodules.