Radio Frequency Ablation of Lung Cancer

PET/CT showing a lung cancer (bright yellow)

RFA of the lung mass seen on the previous image

Follow up PET showing scar tissue in the region of the ablated     cancer. There is no evidence of active cancer (which would     appear bright).

Radiofrequency ablation can be used to treat both tumors that originated in the lung (primary lung cancer) and those that have spread to the lung (metastases). RFA is usually considered for patients who are not surgical candidates or who desire a non- surgical option. RFA can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. RFA can treat the tumor and still preserve lung function. In certain cases the entire visible tumor can be ablated. In other cases RFA is used to “debulk” by treating as much tumor as possible. At least a 75%-95% reduction in tumor burden is the goal from a debulking RFA. This reduction in cancer burden could improve the response that the patient may have to other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Recent studies have demonstrated a 91% two year survival with RFA. This is in contrast to an approximate 25% survival rate reported at two years for lung cancer with current standard therapies.

Common Lung Cancer Metastases Treated

The most common lung cancer metastases treated are: colon cancer, sarcomas, breast cancer and kidney cancer.