CT-guided radiofrequency heat ablation of malignant lung tumors

Background: Radiofrequency heat ablation (RFA) is an advanced minimal-invasive technique for the treatment of primary and secondary malignancies in several organs. This article presents the successful percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency heat ablation of a peripheral bronchiogenic carcinoma and four lung metastases in three patients. Material/Methods: Pain relief in a palliative care situation was the indication for RFA treatment in two patients. A primary curative tumor treatment with RFA was intended in one patient, who refused surgery. All procedures were performed under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. Results: RFA treatment was carried out without major complications in these patients. No signs of infection or significant bleeding were observed. One patient developed a pneumothorax two days after the procedure, which was drained sufficiently. All patients had elevated temperatures, up to 38.5°C for three days after RFA, due to tumor lysis. Pain relief was possible. Control CT scans three months after percutaneous RFA revealed shrinkage of the treated tumor nodules. Conclusions: Percutaneous RFA was successfully performed in three patients. CT-guided percutaneous RFA of non-resectable lung neoplasms may be a complement to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Further clinical experience and prospective studies are needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of RFA in the treatment of lung tumors.