[cancercured] Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Technique

New Tumor Zapper
Often a cancer diagnosis means surgery, which is no one's favorite
choice, since it comes with assorted risks and burdens. So, if
someone had an option for a procedure that can be done with minimal
anesthesia, without cutting, without a stay in the hospital... well,
doesn't that sound like a better alternative?
Now people with certain types of cancerous tumors may be able to
make that choice. A relatively new technique called Radiofrequency
Ablation (RFA) can destroy tumors. Radiologist Peter J. Julien, MD,
chief of Thoracic Imaging and director of the Radiofrequency
Ablation Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,
explained to me that the RFA technique involves inserting a special
ablation (it means "removal," usually by surgery) needle into the
center of the tumor using either CT imaging or ultrasound to guide
the way. With the needle in place, the doctor connects a probe to a
radio-frequency generator that produces temperatures of at least 140œ
F within the tumor -- literally cooking it from the inside out, he
says. In fact, Dr. Julien describes RFA technology as similar to
microwave energy that is used for cooking foods. The good news for
the patient: RFA is able to destroy the tumor without damaging much
surrounding tissue.
Doctors have successfully used RFA to kill kidney tumors, primary
and metastatic liver cancers, and some primary and metastatic lung
cancers. RFA is best used on smaller tumors of less than four
centimeters. Since it does nothing to treat the cancer systemically,
RFA is frequently used either in conjunction with or after
chemotherapy. Dr. Julien says there is some evidence that heat
generated by RFA makes tumors more sensitive to radiation therapy.
Looking ahead, he is hopeful that RFA may replace surgery for the
destruction of certain kinds of tumors, particularly small cancers
in the outer margin of the kidney.
Source(s):

Peter J. Julien, MD, chief of Thoracic Imaging and director of the
Radiofrequency Ablation Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in
Los Angeles

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