Radiofrequency bone tumor ablation

Although percutaneous tumor ablation has been used in the treatment of various organs, the liver has proven to be an ideal target for this interventional treatment technique. Simultaneously, three different techniques were developed worldwide, namely cryotherapy, laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), and radiofrequency ablation (RF). The liver plays a central role in human metabolism and so represents one of the organ systems most often affected, especially by tumorous diseases. In principle the liver can be affected by both primary malignant tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma and, more frequently, by secondary manifestations such as liver metastases. A large number of primary tumors often cause liver metastases as well as bone, lung, and brain metas-... 

Simon CJ, Dupuy DE (2006) Percutaneous minimally invasive therapies in the treatment of bone tumors thermal ablation. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 10(2) 137-144 Toyota N, Naito A, Kakizawa H et al (2005) Radiofrequency ablation therapy combined with cementoplasty for painful bone metastases initial experience. Cardiovasc Interv Radiol 28(5) 578-583... 

Fig. 11.10. Thyroid cancer with painiril unique bone metastasis. Radiofrequency ablation of the tumor. Laige necrosis of the metastasis was obtained and the thermal ablation was completed by radioiodine therapy with complete necrosis of the tumor...

The main advantage of thermal ablation is the abihty to create a well-controlled focal thermal injury with minimal morbidity and mortality to date. Unlike alcoholization (ethanol ablation), thermal ablation creates a well-demarcated lesion. Radiofrequency is particularly useful as a tumor therapy, while alcoholization is preferred in palliative bone metastases pain management because of its simplicity and low cost. 

Especially in palliative situations, radiofrequency ablation has successfully been applied to osteolytic me-tastases and soft tissue tumors involving the bone to relieve pain (Goetz et al. 2004) or as an adjunct to vertebra- or osteoplasty. Furthermore, RFA has also been used for tumor debulking if the tumor causes pressure symptoms such as dysphagia or dyspnea. 

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