CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of a bronchogenic carcinoma

We report on the successful use of percutaneous CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of a peripheral bronchogenic carcinoma in a 73-year-old patient. RFA was the favoured treatment option in this patient, who owing to comorbid factors was not a candidate for surgery. A 15 G LeVeen™ Needle Electrode (RadioTherapeutics, Sunnyvale, USA) with an array diameter of 3.0 cm was connected to a 200 Watt Generator (RF 3000™, RadioTherapeutics, Sunnyvale, USA) and inserted into a 3.5 cm squamous cell carcinoma of the axillary subsegment of the right upper lobe. RFA resulted in complete tumour necrosis confirmed by histopathological examination. No complications such as a pneumothorax or bleeding occurred. Further clinical experience and prospective studies are necessary to determine the long-term efficacy of RFA in the treatment of lung tumours.