The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation on eradicating widespread early 0-IIb esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on eradicating widespread early 0-Ⅱb esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and precancerous lesions. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 33 patients with early 0-Ⅱb ESCC, high and middle-grade dysplasis (HGD, MGD) between October 2008 and June 2011 at Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences for the proportion of patients with histological complete response (CR) and adverse events after 12 months. Results In 33 patients, of whom 26 were male, 7 were female, mean age being 61years old with MGD (10), HGD (17), EESCC (6). USL length was 3-12(mean 7.9)cm.Treatment area(TA)length was 5-14(mean 9.9)cm, and the esophagus was involved 11/12 circumference. Primary RFA treatment time was 11-57(mean 30)min and average hospitalization day was 3 days. CR was 69.7%(23/33) after one RFA session in 3 months, and was 93.9% (31/33) after 12 months. There were 4(12%)severe strictures, who received dilation 3-12 (mean 7) times, and symptoms were relieved. There was no other complication. Conclusion RFA is effective, safe and less technique-demanding in treating patients with widespread 0-Ⅱb esophageal squamous cell neoplasia and precancerous lesions, extending the indications of endoscopic treatment. Key words: Radiofrequency ablation; Esophageal neoplasms; Early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; Precancerous lesions