Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation Research Articles

Diaphragmatic Liver Herniation after Radiofrequency Ablation of a Secondary Liver Tumor.

Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) is widely used and has been accepted for the treatment of unresectable tumors. The leading technique that is used is percutaneous RFA under CT or US guidance. Multicenter surveys report acceptable morbidity and mortality rates for RFA. The mortality rate ranges from 0.1% to 0.5%, the major complication rate ranges from 2% to 3%. Diaphragmatic injury is a rare complication and it is described after RFA of subdiaphragmatic tumors. Most of them are without clinical importance. There are some case reports about diaphragmatic herniation of the intestine into the pleural cavity. We present a case of diaphragmatic perforation resulting in the herniation of the liver into the pleural cavity. A thoracotomy was performed, the liver was lowered back into the peritoneal cavity and the perforation was closed with mesh.

Osteoid Osteoma of the Hand: Surgical Treatment versus CT-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation.

(1) Background: Osteoid osteoma (OO) is one of the most common benign bone tumors. This type of osteogenic tumor is generally characterized by a well-defined lytic area with a vascularized central nidus surrounded by sclerosis and bone thickening. The wrist and hand bones are infrequent sites for osteoid osteoma: only 10% of the cases arise in these areas. Standard treatments are surgical excision and radio-frequency ablation (RFA), both with advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed to compare the two techniques to prove if RFA could be a potential alternative to surgery in the treatment of OO of the hand. (2) Methods: Patients treated for OO of the hand between January 2011 and December 2020 were evaluated and data was collected regarding the lesions' characteristics and the treatment outcome. Each patient was followed up for 24 months and VAS pain (Visual Analogue Scale), DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and PRWE (Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation) scores were collected. (3) Results: A total of 27 patients were included in the study: 19 surgical and 8 RFA. Both treatments showed a significant improvement in pain and functionality. Surgery was associated with a higher complication rate (stiffness and pain), while RFA was associated with a higher recurrence rate (2/8 patients). RFA allowed for a speedier return to work. (4) Conclusions: We believe that osteoid osteoma treatment with RFA in the hand should be an available alternative to surgery as it allows rapid pain relief and a swift return to work. Surgery should be reserved for cases of diagnostic uncertainty or periosteal localization.

Comparison of arthroscopy versus percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for the management of intra- and juxta-articular elbow osteoid osteoma: case series and a literature review

BackgroundToday, intra-articular and juxta-articular osteoid osteomas are treated with arthroscopy and radiofrequency thermal ablation. However, for the case of an elbow joint, arguments are made for the use of a minimally invasive technique to be the optimal choice. This study aims to analyse our experiences of arthroscopically treated elbow osteoid osteomas and to compare it with the published results of both techniques.MethodsThe retrospective study analyses the patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy ablation of an elbow osteoid osteoma at a single institution from January 2014 until March 2020. Clinical and diagnostic features, success and treatment failure rates, complications and tumour recurrence rates were all compared to 13 studies of intra-articular elbow osteoid osteoma arthroscopic ablation and 15 studies involving radiofrequency thermal ablation of intra-articular osteoid osteoma within different joints.ResultsFour males and two females, with a mean age of 19.3 years, were encompassed. All the patients had immediate postoperative pain relief and improved range of motion. No tumour recurrences were observed during a median of 21.7 months. The literature review yielded 86.4% success rate, 68.2% successful biopsies, one minor complication and no recurrences following the arthroscopic ablation of an elbow osteoid osteoma; while radiofrequency thermal ablation of an intra-articular elbow osteoid osteoma yielded 96.3% success rate, 33.3% successful biopsies, no complications and 3.7% recurrence rate.ConclusionsOur results are consistent with the published literature proving that arthroscopic ablation is an efficient method with low treatment failure rates and no recurrences in treating intra- and juxta-articular elbow osteoid osteomas. Advantages of arthroscopic ablation stem from the ability to visualise and safely deal with the lesion and the joint’s reactive changes resulting in high biopsy rates, no recurrences and better postoperative elbow’s range of motion. Still, the technique selection should be personalised considering the medical expertise of every institution.

Предварительная коагуляция вены, прилежащей к метастазу колоректального рака в печени, как способ повышения эффективности радиочастотной абляции

Aim: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prior coagulation of the vein adjacent to the tumor node within ultrasound-directed percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) of perivascular liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients and Methods: in this open-label single-site retrospective study a medical health record analysis was performed to include CRC patients with perivascular liver metastasis who received ultrasound-directed RFTA within 2014–2020 timeframe. Total study population included 51 patients. Patients were stratified in two arms by the type of surgical intervention they have received: experimental arm — 23 (45%) subjects (mean age 62.0 years) who underwent RFTA with prior adjacent vein coagulation, and control arm — 28 (55%) subjects (mean age 60.5 years) who underwent RFTA with no prior vein coagulation. Study groups were similar by the main parameters. Results: as it was shown by the computed tomography scan the incidence of residual tumor after RFTA was remarkably low in experimental arm versus control (17,4% vs. 21,4%). Relapse free survival (RFS) rate in 6 and 12 months follow up period was also higher in the experimental group versus control: RFSmo. — 65,2% vs. 56,5% (p=0,03), RFSmo. — 56,5% vs. 39,3% (p=0,04) in experimental and control groups respectively. Periprocedural complications rate was similar in both arms. Conclusion: prior coagulation of the vein adjacent to the tumor node within ultrasound-directed RFTA of perivascular CRC liver metastases can reduce the heat removal effect in the RFTA area and, thereby, increase the ablation treatment outcomes without any additional significant changes in healthy hepatic tissue. As a result, we can see an improvement in the short– and long–term treatment outcomes: a decrease of residual tumor incidence i.e. improve radicality of tumor destruction within the area of RFTA, and PFS improvement through 6 and 12 months follow up period. KEYWORDS: radiofrequency thermal ablation, liver metastases, coagulation, local thermal exposure, ultrasound diagnostics, computed tomography. FOR CITATION: Murashko K.L., Yurkovskiy A.M., Sorokin V.G. et al. Preliminary coagulation of a vein adjacent to colorectal cancer metastases in the liver as a way to increase the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2022;6(6):314–318 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2022-6-6-314-318.

Occlusion of the vein adjacent to colorectal cancer liver metastasis as a way to increase the radicality of percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation

Objective.To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative coagulation of the vein adjacent to a tumor nodule in sonographically-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation of perivascular liver metastases of colorectal cancer.Materials and methods.To address the issue, we compared the results of sonographically-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation of perivascular liver metastases of colorectal cancer in 27 patients (aged 60.5 (58; 68) years) without prior coagulation of the adjacent vein (control group) and 26 patients (62.0 (60; 74)) with prior coagulation of the adjacent vein (experimental group).Results.Lower incidence of residual tumor in the ablation area in the patients with prior coagulation of the adjacent vein (14.3 % vs. 29 % of the patients in the control group) and a higher relapse-free survival of such patients (65.2 % vs. 53.6 % and 55.6 % vs. 33.3 %) were reported as compared to the group without prior coagulation of the adjacent vein (after 6 and 12 months, respectively).Conclusion.Preoperative coagulation of the vein adjacent to colorectal cancer liver metastasis allows reducing the effect of heat removal from the RFA zone, thereby contributing to higher radicality of the treatment and resulting both in a lower incidence of residual tumor in the ablation zone and a higher relapse-free survivalof patients, notably without signifcant concomitant changes in the affected part of the liver (segment atrophy).

Treatment of maxillofacial congenital melanocytic nevus with percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation: A case series study.

When congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is in the maxillofacial region, a safer, more effective and fewer side-effects treatment is needed for patients with high requirement for appearance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) for CMN in the maxillofacial region. We reviewed 21 patients treated with RFA for CMN followed by a blinded retrospective analysis of serial photographs taken during the course of their therapy. Questionnaires were used to evaluate perceived therapeutic response and complications of this treatment. Most CMNs stopped growing, faded in color and became smaller. Reduction in size of 90% to 100% was obtained in two patients (10%), 75% to 90% in six patients (29%), 50% to 75% in two patients (10%), <50% in eight patients (38%), and three had no reduction (13%). Clear effect of clinical response score was obtained in two patients (10%), excellent in four patients (19%), good in 14 patients (67%), and fair in one patient (4%). No serious complication, severe hypertrophic scarring, and evidence of recurrence was observed in any case. Percutaneous RFA, as a minimally invasive and safe treatment, may provide an alternative treatment for maxillofacial CMN.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation of symptomatic uterine fibroids - results from a single center and 52 weeks of follow up.

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common female disorder of the reproductive age and may cause abnormal uterine bleeding (UAB), pain or infertility. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radio frequency ablation (RFA) in reducing clinical symptoms, fibroid volume and improving laboratory parameters. Thirty-five symptomatic patients with 54 uterine fibroids were enrolled. Preintervention evaluation was made for each participant and included ultrasonography to assess the volume, largest diameter and location of the fibroid and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for quantifying the degree of menstrual pain. The magnitude of menstrual bleeding was scored for each patient by using pictogram. Preprocedural laboratory assessment included hemoglobulin and hematocrit. Treatment efficacy was evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention with ultrasound (US) measurements, symptom scores and laboratory parameters. Pretreatment mean Hb was significantly lower than those at 3, 6 and 12 month post treatment visits (p < 0.001). The pretreatment median volume was significantly higher than the median volumes measured at 3, 6 and 12 months after RFA (p < 0.001). Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain was significantly lower than baseline values at 6 and 12 month visits (p < 0.01). Pretreatment bleeding scores and the number of patients in the predefined severe bleeding category were significantly decreased. US guided RF ablation of uterine fibroids is relatively safe and effective procedure. It can be applied to the fibroids with varying localizations and sizes. It reduces the fibroid volume and obviate a need for more invasive treatment.

Effectiveness and safety in radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary metastases from HCC: a five years study.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent tumor that may be treated with radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA). RFA has been used with success also in treatment of pulmonary metastases from a wide range of primitive tumors, especially colorectal. Previous studies have shown that RFA con be used in treating HCC pulmonary metastases. Purpose of our study was a retrospective evaluation of overall survival and complication rates of percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data were collected from 40 CT-guided ablation sessions performed on 42 lesions in 26 patients (16M and 10 F; mean age 62.5years) with pulmonary metastases from HCC (size range 0.3-4cm, mean diameter 1.4 ± 0.98cm) from February 2012 to December 2017. All patients, as in advanced stage of illness (stage C), were treated according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) criteria, with Sorafenib. They had no active HCC foci in the liver and no more than three metastases in the lung. Patients did not discontinue medical therapy with Sorafenib and pulmonary relapses were treated up to three times. In two patients two lesions were treated during the same procedure. Each lesion was ablated under CT guidance. Follow-up contrast-enhanced CT at 1, 3, 6, 12-month and every 6months after treatment were reviewed. A total of 42 metastatic lung lesions from HCC in 26 patients (57% male, 43% female) were treated with CT-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation procedures. Immediate radiofrequency ablation-related complications (subtle pneumothorax) were observed in 9 of 40 procedures (22.5%). Only one patient developed a pneumothorax requiring drainage tube insertion (2.5%). No other major complications occurred. Moreover, no significant worsening of pulmonary function was observed. In all patients the overall survival rates were 88.5% at 1year, 69.8% at 3years and 26.2% at 5years. Our retrospective assessment confirmed that percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation in 23 patients with pulmonary metastases from HCC represents an effective and safe alternative treatment option in patients not considerable as potential candidates to surgery.

CT-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Osteoid Osteoma

CT-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Osteoid Osteoma

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation Treatment of Recurrent Bone Giant Cell Tumor

Poster: ECR 2015 / C-1479 / Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation treatment of recurrent bone giant cell tumour by: �. Bueno Horcajadas , J. Martel Villagran, I. Rozas Gomez, I. Lopez-Vidaur, E. Ortiz; Alcorcon/ES

Establishing a clinical service for the treatment of osteoid osteoma using magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound: overview and guidelines.

Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in the treatment of osteoid osteoma (OO), a painful, benign bone tumor. As MRgFUS is a noninvasive and radiation-free treatment, it stands to replace the current standard of care, percutaneous radiofrequency, or laser thermal ablation. Within an institution, creation of a clinical OO MRgFUS treatment program would not only provide cutting edge medical treatment at the current time but would also establish the foundation for an MRgFUS clinical service to introduce treatments currently under development into clinical practice in the future. The purpose of this document is to provide information to facilitate creation of a clinical service for MRgFUS treatment of OO by providing (1) recommendations for the multi-disciplinary management of patients and (2) guidelines regarding current best practices for MRgFUS treatment. This paper will discuss establishment of a multi-disciplinary clinic, patient accrual, inclusion/exclusion criteria, diagnosis, preoperative imaging, patient preparation, anesthesia, treatment planning, targeting and treatment execution, complication avoidance, and patient follow-up to assure safety and effectiveness.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Observation for Nonfunctioning Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Randomized Controlled International Collaborative Trial

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) has been reported as an effective tool for the management of benign thyroid nodules (BTN). However, large, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking. The aims of this study were to assess the volume reduction of BTN after a single RFA performed using the moving-shot technique and to compare the volume reduction obtained in patients treated in two centers with different experience of the moving-shot technique. This study was an international prospective RCT. It was carried out at the Mauriziano Hospital (Turin, Italy) and the Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). Eighty patients harboring solid, compressive, nonfunctioning BTN (volume 10-20 mL) were enrolled. Twenty patients in each country were treated by RFA using a 18-Gauge internally cooled electrode (group A); 20 nontreated patients in each country were followed as controls (group B). At six months, BTN volume significantly decreased in group A (15.1±3.1 mL vs. 4.2±2.7 mL; p<0.0001), whereas it remained unchanged in group B (14.4±3.3 mL vs. 15.2±3.5 mL). The baseline volume was larger in the Italian series (16.4±2.5 mL vs. 13.9±3.3 mL, p=0.009). However, at six months, there was no significant difference between the Korean group and the Italian group (3.7±2.9 mL vs. 5.5±2.2 mL). Both cosmetic and compressive symptoms significantly improved (3.6±0.5 vs. 1.7±0.4 and 3.6±1.9 vs. 0.4±0.7, respectively; p<0.001). No side effects occurred. RFA was effective in reducing the volume of BTN. The outcome was similar in centers with different experience in the moving-shot technique.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation in the treatment of lung cancer lesions.

In this study, we reviewed a clinical series composed by all malignant lung lesions submitted to computed tomography-guided percutaneous thermal radiofrequency ablation, in our hospital, a rather recent technique that has been gaining scientific recognition. For data purposes, all radiofrequency ablation and corresponding clinical records were retrospectively analysed. A computed tomography scan was performed before and after each procedure to evaluate the tumour's features, and at a second step to assess results and complications. The frequency of local recurrence and disease progression were determined based on imaging follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival. Univariate analysis recognized clinical and pathological factors affecting survival. These were also tested by multivariate analysis. A total of 28 malignant lung lesions, 20 primary and 8 metastatic, from 28 patients (78.6% male; mean age 62 ± 17 years old), were submitted to computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation between January 2004 and July 2010. Total necrosis was achieved in 74.1% of the lesions. Immediate radiofrequency ablation-related complications were observed in half of the procedures. Among major complications, death occurred in one patient only. Median overall survival was 43.0 months for a mean 2-years follow-up.Median progression-free survival was 31.6 months. Lesion's size smaller than 35 mm, stage III disease by the TNM classification and previous treatment attempts were significantly associated with better outcomes. Disease-related mortality was 46.4%. This procedure proved to be efficient to treat lung cancerous lesions, with a low-rate of major complications. Computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that appears to be valuable in the treatment of lung cancer lesions.

Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Isolated Local Recurrence after Surgery for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose To retrospectively assess safety and efficacy of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of retroperitoneal relapse after surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Material and Methods After open radical nephrectomy or nephron-sparing surgery, 4 patients were treated for retroperitoneal relapse and 2 for multiple pancreatic histologically proven metastasis of renal cell carcinoma with percutaneous RFA. Overall, 13 lesions were treated. Extensive staging showed no evidence of distant metastases. Results Disease progression after surgery occurred within a mean time of 27 months (range 12 to 84 months). Recurrent tumor size varied from 5 to 34 mm. Five patients previously had undergone surgical resection of retroperitoneal recurrent lesions. Five patients had neoadjuvant treatment and 2 patients had adjuvant treatment. After RFA all lesions were completely ablated with no residual enhancement. After a mean follow-up of 13 months (range 6 to 16 months) no recurrent or residual disease was evident. Conclusions Percutaneous RFA of surgical relapse of RCC is effective and should be assessed as first line loco-regional treatment on a larger patient group.

A Critical Analysis of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality After Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors

Although the laparoscopic approach provides certain advantages over the percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA), the morbidity needs to be defined. The aim of this study is to analyze the morbidity and underlying risk factors after laparoscopic RFA of liver tumors. Between 1996 and 2012, 910 patients underwent 1,207 RFA procedures for malignant liver tumors in a tertiary academic center. The 90-day morbidity and mortality were extracted from a prospective IRB-approved database. Statistical analyses were performed using regression, t, and χ (2) tests. Complications occurred in 50 patients (4%) and were gastrointestinal in 13 patients (1.1%), infections in 10 (0.8%), hemorrhagic in 9 (0.7%), urinary in 7 (0.6%), cardiac in 4 (0.3%), pulmonary in 3 (0.3%), hematologic in 2 (0.2%), and neurologic in 2 (0.2%). The complication rates for an RFA done alone (5%) versus concomitantly with ancillary procedure (6%) were similar (p=.6). In all patients who developed postoperative bleeding from the liver, the ablations had been performed on lesions located in the right posterior sector. Of 9 patients with bleeding, 5 (55%) required a laparotomy. Also, 60% of liver abscesses occurred in patients with a prior bilioenteric anastomosis (BEA). The 90-day mortality was 0.4% (n=5). Hospital stay was 1.2±0.1days and was prolonged to 4.4±0.3days in case of complications. This study describes the morbidity and mortality to be expected after a laparoscopic RFA procedure. Our results show that additional caution should be used to prevent bleeding complications in patients with tumors located in the right posterior sector and infections in patients with a history of BEA.

Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Purpose: To assess the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation to reduce symptoms of uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: 17 premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids despite conventional medical treatment were included. The assessment of symptoms and characteristics of fibroids by vaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed before starting treatment and 6 months after the procedure. Successful treatment was clinically considered if patients reported a reduction in symptoms 6 months after RF myolysis. Successful treatment was also considered if the necrosis of the fibroid was greater than 50%, 6 months after treatment. Results: The baseline score on visual analogue scale (VAS) for dysmenorrhea and intermenstrual pain was 5.76 ± 3.31 and 3.0 ± 3.4, respectively. According to a score of 0 - 3, baseline bleeding during menstruation was 2.29 ± 0.92. Six months after RF myolysis, the VAS for dysmenorrhea was 2.75 ± 3.32 (p = 0.004), whereas for intermenstrual pain it was 1.38 ± 2.56 (p = 0.02). Menstrual bleeding was reduced to 1.13 ± 0.89 (p = 0.005). Clinical success of the treatment was evident in 11 (64.7%) of the 17 patients with a 95% CI [38.6%, 84.7%]. Fourteen patients underwent MRI monitoring 6 months post-myolysis. Compared to baseline fibroid volume, ultrasound and MRI volume were 57.38% and 79.66% six months after surgery, respectively. A total of 13 patients (92.86%) had radiological success from the treatment (95% CI [64.2%, 99.6%]). Conclusion: Since percutaneous RF myolysis reduces volume and symptoms of uterine fibroids, it may be considered as a valid treatment for symptomatic fibroids.

A Delayed Hepatico-colonic Fistula after Radiofrequency Ablation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) performed under ultrasound guidance is a safe, effective therapeutic modality for managing liver malignancies. Although surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), RFA has emerged as a reliable alternative. Potential complications of RFA include liver abscess, ascites, pleural effusion, skin burns, hypoxemia, pneumothorax, subcapsular hematoma, hemoperitoneum, liver failure, tumor seeding, and biliary lesions. Here, we report a rare complication after RFA for HCC: a delayed liver abscess and transverse colonic fistula. The patient was treated successfully with percutaneous abscess drainage, antibiotics, liver segmentectomy, and segmental resection of the fistula and involved colon. Due to its rarity, we report this case and review the literature. (Korean J Med 2014;86:722-727)

Treatment of osteoid osteoma of the elbow by radiofrequency thermal ablation

This article presents the experience at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute in the treatment of intracapsular osteoid osteoma (OO) of the elbow by computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA). Our team performed more than 800 RFA procedures to treat OO up to 2010. In 27 cases, the lesion site was the articular area of the elbow (humerus in 13 cases, ulna in 13, and radius in 1). These patients were reviewed and assessed for eradication rate, incidence of complications, and functional results measured by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. The outcome was evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 67.4 ± 35.3 months (range, 24-128 months). The mean duration of symptoms at the time of diagnosis was 31.0 ± 19.8 months (range, 5-72 months). All patients complained about pain, and in 24 of 27 cases (88.8%), the joint function was significantly impaired by the presence of OO (pretreatment score, 54.8). After RFA, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved by a mean of 37.7 ± 14.8 points, with 25 of 27 patients (92.5%) scoring 90 to 100 points at final follow-up. OO recurred in only 1 patient (3.7%), 5 months after the procedure. However, this was successfully retreated by RFA. No adverse effects were observed, and all patients were free of disease at the final follow-up. The RFA procedure can be technically challenging in difficult sites such as the elbow joint. The low invasiveness of RFA compared with traditional surgery allows excellent functional recovery. RFA of elbow OO is effective and safe, and it should be considered the first-choice treatment for this disease.

Radiofrequency ablation for non-small-cell lung cancer in a single-lung patient: Case report and review of the literature

BackgroundRadiofrequency thermal ablation is an alternative option to manage primary or metastatic lung malignancies. It is particular useful for unresectable lesions because of the disease's location, prior resection, or comorbidities. Patients presenting with a lung tumor that occurs in a single lung due to a prior pneumonectomy are difficult to manage with a curative intent due to the risk of complications after local treatment. Materials and methodsWe hereby report on treatment of a primary non-small-cell lung cancer in a previously contralateral pneumonectomised patient using per-cutaneous pulmonary radiofrequency thermal ablation. We also discuss literature that describes similar alternative minimally invasive procedures. ConclusionDespite being a high-risk procedure, radiofrequency should be considered for patients with a single lung particularly when ineligible to surgery or stereotactic ablative radiation therapy. The procedure should be ideally associated with a pre-operative preventive chest tube.

Single-step multimodal locoregional treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: balloon-occluded percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (BO-RFA) plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)

This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of a new combined single-step therapy in patients with unresectable multinodular unilobar hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with at least one lesion >3 cm, with balloon-occluded radiofrequency ablation (BO-RFA) plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of the main lesion and TACE of the other lesions. The second purpose of our study was to compare the initial effects in terms of tumour necrosis of this new combined therapy with those obtained in a matched population treated with TACE alone in a singlestep treatment in our centre in the previous year. This pilot study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Ten consecutive patients with multinodular (two to six nodules) unilobar unresectable HCC and with a main target lesion >3 cm (range, 3.5-6 cm) not suitable for curative therapy were enrolled in our single-centre multidisciplinary pilot study. The schedule consisted of percutaneous RFA (single 3-cm monopolar needle insertion) of the target lesion during occlusion of the hepatic artery supplying the tumour, followed by selective TACE, plus lobar TACE for other lesions (450-mg carboplatin and lipiodol plus temporary embolisation with SPONGOSTAN). Adverse events and intra- and periprocedural complications were clinically assessed. Early local efficacy was evaluated on 1-month follow-up multiphasic computed tomography (CT) on the basis of the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (m-RECIST). A separate evaluation of target lesions in terms of enhancement, necrotic diameter and presence and distribution of lipiodol uptake was also performed. No major complications occurred. Overall technical success, defined as complete devascularisation of all nodules during the arterial phase, was achieved in seven of 10 patients, with three cases of partial response (persistence of small hypervascular nodules). When considering only target lesions, technical success was obtained in all patients, with a nonenhancing area corresponding in shape to the previously identified HCC (necrotic diameter, 3.5-5 cm) and with circumferential peripheral lipiodol uptake (safety margin) of at least 0.5 cm (0.5-1.3cm). TACE and BO-RFA, plus TACE in a singlestep approach seems to be a safe and effective combined therapy for treating advanced, unresectable HCC lesions, allowing a high rate of complete local response to be achieved in large lesions also.