Assessment of Radiofrequency Ablation for Lung Cancer on the Basis of Clinical Study

Abstract

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for malignant lung tumors become increasingly widespread. We therefore conducted a multi-center phase I/II clinical study to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Eligibility criteria included a lesion of longer axis 1-2.5 cm with abnormal accumulation on FDG-PET and of which was also considered to be difficult to curatively resect. Lesion of the diameters of which was difficult to measure, and close to the mediastinum, pleura or major blood vessels or bronchi larger than 5 mm is excluded. Percutaneous puncture was performed under image guidance using local anesthesia. Output power is gradually elevated from a low power. Overlapping ablation is carried out if necessary to cover the entire lesion. Safety was evaluated before and after the procedure by patient observation, CT, MRI, blood biochemical tests, respiratory function test and so on. The efficacy was evaluated by visual analysis of abnormal accumulation of FDG-PET before the procedure, 3 months later and 6 months later. Of the 30 cases (primary 6, metastasis 24) reported until now, the mean diameter was 1.53 cm. Pneumothorax was observed in 46.7% and a chest tube needed to be inserted in one case of them. There were no severe complications. The rate of efficacy evaluated by FDG-PET was 91.7%. Data should be analyzed in more detail in the future.