Thierry De Bačre MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean Palussiere, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Clarisse Dromain MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Antoine Hakime, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mathieu Lapeyre, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Anne Aupérin, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To define feasibility, safety, local efficacy and describe CT image finding of RF ablation of lung tumors.

During 18 years, 60 patients aged 27 to 81 with lung tumors meeting inclusion criteria (non surgical tumors less than 4 cm, 5 or less in number, MEV superior to 1 l/sec, no other tumor location) were treated under CT guidance with radiofrequency using 14G LeVeen needles and RF 3000 generator with algorithm dedicated to the lung. Follow-up included respiratory test at 30 days, CT 24 to 48 hours after RF, and every two months during 1 year.

9 primaries, and 89 metastases required a mean of 1.33 RF deliveries. Pneumothorax occurred in 50% of patient, 29% required no treatment, 13% were managed by aspiration, and only 8% required chest tube placement. 1 and 32 days after treatment, ground glass opacities and pleural effusion were present in 77% and 64% respectively. Hemoptysis occurred in 7% of case and could last as long as 3 weeks. Pneumopathy requiring antibiotics was present in 9%. MEV was not significantly modified after treatment. Mean tumor size increased from 17mm before radiofrequency, to 32mm immediately after, then 39mm early after RF, and decreased to 25, 23 and 20mm at respectively 2, 4 and 12 months. 7 of the 98 treated tumors had recurred after a mean follow-up of 9 months.

RF ablation of lung tumors is feasible and safe. Assessment of local efficacy needs further investigation, the nine month recurrence rate is 7% per tumor and 13% per patient.

T.D.,J.P.: The authors received a grant from Boston Scientific for evaluation of radiofrequency ablation in the lung.

De Bačre, T, Palussiere, J, Dromain, C, Hakime, A, Lapeyre, M, Aupérin, A, Prospective Evaluation of Radiofrequency Ablation of Lung Tumors.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4407055.html