Memorial Regional Hospital Presents Alternative to Surgery for Lung Cancer Patients
Advantages of Radiofrequency Ablation
- Fewer risks and complications than surgery
- Most procedures can be performed without general anesthesia
- May be performed on an outpatient basis
- May be repeated if necessary
- May be combined with other treatment options
November 2005 - For lung cancer patients, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a promising alternative to surgery.
"RFA is a minimally invasive procedure and a viable option for patients who cannot or will not undergo surgery," says Michael Cohn, MD, Chief of Vascualr Services at Memorial Regional Hospital and radiologist on the medical staff at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Miramar and Memorial Hospital Pembroke. "It is performed under local anesthesia and can destroy a tumor while sparing the rest of the healthy lung."
In the past, this technique has been successful in treating liver, kidney and soft-tissue tumors. More recently, it has been used to treat lung tumors.
According to Dr. Cohn, "The results of RFA have been dramatic. Data from a trial using RFA in the treatment of small primary lung tumors showed a 91 percent cancer-specific survival rate over a two-year period. If there is a recurrence of lung cancer, RFA can be repeated without the degree of trauma associated with surgery."
Turn Up the Heat
Performed by an interventional radiologist, RFA uses electro-magnetic waves to generate heat to destroy small, targeted portions of cancerous tissue.
Using radiographic imaging such as CT, PET or ultrasound, the radiologist is able to locate the cancerous tumor. A small needle probe is then inserted through a small incision in the skin near the cancer site. With the aid of imaging, the radiologist guides the probe to the tumor where the heat essentially "cooks" cancerous tissue. Once the tissue is destroyed, the probe is removed and a small suture or bandage is applied.
Quicker Recovery
Unlike with surgery, patients recovering from RFA may return to normal activities within a few days.
"Patients may experience some residual pain following the procedure, but it can be treated with medication," says Dr. Cohn. "The important thing is that it is a safe and effective treatment, and it can be performed on an outpatient basis."
Dr. Cohn adds: "Success with RFA has been impressive, to say the least; however, not all patients are candidates for the treatment. There are many factors to consider when determining treatment options. RFA can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy and systemic treatments."
Memorial Regional Hospital is one of only a few healthcare facilities in the country performing radiofrequency ablation on lung tumors. If you are interested in learning more about being a candidate for RFA, please contact the Memorial Regional Hospital Interventional Radiology Department at (954) 265-6317.
For referral to a physician, please call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.