Minimally Invasive Injectable Thermochemical Ablation Therapy of Malignant Tumor via Alkali Metal Fluid

Abstract

In recent years, with the increasing occurrence of various malignant tumors throughout the world, cancer disease has become a major threat to human life and health care. So far, many classical tumor treatment methods such as surgical removal, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy still appear somewhat traumatic to the human body and may face tough issues when tackling advanced tumors or those with complex growth behaviors. In this regard, local tumor ablation technologies receive more and more attention owing to their minimally invasive feature and targeted treatment output. Among the many endeavors ever made, thermochemical ablation therapy, as a combination of physical treatment and chemical ablation, displays the outstanding characteristics of straightforward surgical administration at rather a low cost. As a unique representation, liquid alkali metals are recognized as a highly suitable thermochemical ablative agent for such practices due to their truly minimally invasive injectability, precise targeting, and nearly harmless residues. This article is dedicated to presenting an overview of the advancement of liquid alkali metals-based tumor ablation. The main contents would include but are not limited to the characteristics, therapeutic principles, tumor ablation effects, dosage administration, and damage of liquid alkali metals thus caused. For illustration, several typical applications of liquid alkali metal in tumor ablation therapy were also discussed. With the continuous development of fundamental research and technological endeavor, the liquid alkali metal is expected to become a powerful tool for minimally invasive ablation of malignant tumors in the coming time.