Abstract
Background: Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous thermal radiofrequency ablation (RFTA) is a recently developed technique for the treatment of lung tumors with growing scientific evidence supporting its use.
Aim: Characterize a population of patients with malignant lung tumors that underwent RFTA and evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Material and methods: CT-guided percutaneous RFTA performed since 2004 were collected for data purpose. A CT scan performed before and after each procedure evaluated tumor's size, shape and location and assessed immediate results and complications. A high-density area with a diameter equal to or greater than the initial tumor, surrounded by a ground-glass opacity was defined as complete tumor necrosis. The frequency of local recurrence and disease progression was calculated based on imaging follow-up. Population demographics, tumor's histological type and primary lung cancer staging were also assessed.
Results: A total of 29 tumor lesions (28 patients), 20 primary and 9 metastatic, underwent the procedure. Mean age was 69 yo (range: 16-81 yo). Lung adenocarcinoma and lung metastatic disease were the most frequent histological types, each accounting for 31%. TNM staging identified stage IIIA as the predominant (30%). Total necrosis was achieved in more than 95% of the cases. Procedure-related complications occurred in 55,2% and death in 3,4% of the cases. Mean survival rate post-RFTA was 21 months (range: 0-73 months). Disease-related mortality was 46,4%.
Conclusions: CT-guided percutaneous RFTA is a minimally invasive procedure with proven efficacy in the treatment of lung tumors, associated to a low rate of major complications.
- © 2011 ERS