Effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of lung cancer
The aim of this study was to analyze the results of our radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures of primary non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) to appreciate the effectiveness of this method. Twenty-eight lesions in 28 patients who underwent RFA from April 2008 to December 2009 were analyzed (20 - adenocarcinoma, 5 - squamous cell carcinoma, 2 - neuroendocrine carcinoma, 1 - clear cell carcinoma). On the basis of the clinical-radiological alterations that were revealed at the first computed tomography (CT) scan and at the subsequent computed tomography, we evaluated the success of total ablation, local control of tumor and one-, three- and five-year survival rate. The complications after RFA were also evaluated. At the first CT scan complete ablation (CA) was obtained in 100%. Nine patients (32.1%) had local recurrence during the follow-up (48 months on the average). Overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 89.2%, 67.7% and 39.5 %, respectively. There were no major complications. Pneumothorax occurred in 4 (14.3%) out of 28 treatment sessions: 1 was asymptomatic, and 3 required thoracostomy. Pleuritis occurred in one (3.6%) session and one more patient (3.6%) had lung abscess in the RFA area. Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation of NSCLC was effective, well tolerated, with satisfying overall survival. However, to determine the role of RFA in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, we need to compare RFA with surgery and radiation therapy.