Healing With Heat
A new kind of cancer treatment is helping many who cannot benefit
from more traditional therapies.
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From the expert
Damian Dupuy, MD, explains radiofrequency ablation, its uses
and benefits.
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By Damian Dupuy, MD, director of ultrasound, department of
diagnostic imaging, Rhode Island Hospital
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive technique that
uses heat to destroy tumors. Using CT scan or ultrasound guidance, a small
needle electrode is placed directly into the tumor. The electrode's high
frequency radiowaves create intense heat that can reach the boiling point
of water, killing cancerous cells. Radiofrequency ablation using the
current technology was approved by the FDA in October 1997. Since then, a
number of hospitals around the country have adopted the technique, most
often to destroy liver tumors.
At Rhode Island Hospital, we have taken RFA a step further by
broadening its application. RFA has been used successfully to
combat breast, kidney, liver, lung, adrenal and bone cancer. In
the years following FDA approval, more than 700 patients have undergone
radiofrequency ablation here. To date this is the largest use of
RFA in treating malignancy in North America. Radiofrequency ablation
takes between 45 and 90 minutes and can be performed with intravenous
sedation. The procedure creates a small incision that only requires
a band-aid and because heat cauterizes the area, no bleeding has
been reported. It can be done safely on an outpatient basis.
RFA is less traumatic than surgery, so it is an alternative for
older patients, those who are frail or patients who have medical
conditions that exclude surgery as an option. It has also been used
successfully when treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy fail. Age
is no barrier to eligibility; my patients have ranged in age from 2 to 89.
Unlike radiation, RFA does not adversely affect the immune system.
Patients can receive more than one RFA treatment, if necessary. An ongoing
study will help determine its effectiveness in treatment of
painful metastatic bone disease. To enroll in the study or for more
information about RFA, call Derek Tessier at 401-444-2453.
Webmaster's Note: At a meeting of the Radiological Society of
North America, Dupuy's scientific exhibit, "RFA of Extra-Hepatic
Malignancies," received a highly prestigious magna cum laude award.
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