Alimta | Avastin | Iressa | Tarceva |Radiofrequency Ablation | Fast Track Drugs | Disclaimer

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation FAQs

More information

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Public Health Notification on RFA

Radiofrequency Ablation FAQs

What is tumor ablation?

Tumor ablation is an alternative method used to destroy tumors.  Ablation can be achieved by using cold (cryogenic), chemicals, focused ultrasound, microwaves, or radiofrequency.  The most common type of tumor ablation is radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

What is Radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to heat up and destroy tumors.

How does RFA work?

A needle electrode is inserted under the skin (percutaneously) and guided to the tumor usually by CT, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy.  When the end of the needle electrode is within the tumor, a generator is turned on that produces radio waves that are passed through the end of the needle electrode.  The radio waves heat and kill tumors from the inside out.  The dead tumor gradually shrinks and is replaced by scar tissue.

Can RFA be used to treat lung cancer?

Yes, RFA is being used in the treatment of lung cancers under certain circumstances.  The use of RFA in treating lung cancer is best described as an emerging experimental technology requiring additional study to determine its effectiveness.  Surgical removal of lung tumors (lobectomy) currently remains the gold standard for treatment of local lung tumors.

When is RFA being used to treat lung cancers?

• Patients who are unable to tolerate surgery
• For the management of pain
• Used along with conventional chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Patients with tumors that are unable to be removed surgically or their removal would destroy too much healthy tissue

What are the risks of RFA?

All medical procedures carry risks.  RFA is less invasive than surgery and tends to be less dangerous.  RFA is conducted as an outpatient procedure utilizing local anesthetic and some degree of moderate sedation to reduce discomfort during the procedure.  The risks most frequently associated with RFA include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Infection
• Fever
• Lung Collapse (Pneumothorax)

Can I benefit from RFA?

Please consult your doctor for additional details and information concerning RFA.  The decision to proceed with RFA is best determined through patient review in a multidisciplinary setting involving all members of the medical team skilled in the treatment of lung cancer.

Some places that perform RFA include:  Duke University, Sutter in Sacramento, CA, Rhode Island Hospital and Univ. of Wisconsin.

References

1. Kucharczuk JC, "Radiofrequency Ablation:  Emerging Therapy for the Small Pulmonary Nodule?" Seminars Thoracic Cardiovascular Survery, 2005, (17):134-37.

2. "New Techniques expand arsenal of tumor therapies," Diagnostic Imaging Supplement, 2005 February.

3. "Doubts linger over next stage of lung RF ablation," Diagnostic Imaging, 2005 March.

4. Suh, R et al., "Lung ablation shows promising results in safety and efficacy," Diagnostic Imaging, 2005 October.

5. Dupuy DE, "Ablation offers options for unresectable tumors," 2005 October.

"Interventionalists offer new choices for cancer therapy," 2005 July.

For more information:

From radiologyinfo.org:  http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/interventional/rfalung.htm

From NCI:  http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/NCI_Cancer_Bulletin_071905/page3

From Lung Cancer Online:  http://www.lungcanceronline.org/treatment-experimental/rfa.html