Radiofrequency Ablation for Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for this treatment?
Each RF ablation treatment is unique. The location, type and size of the tumor, as well as history of chemotherapy or radiation, are taken into account. First, a physician will review the most recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scan images and reports, medical history and the biopsy report. The radiologist who performs the procedure will consult with the oncologist and surgeon, depending on the kind of tumor.

What are the risks?
Complications from RF ablation are uncommon, occurring in about 5 percent or less of patients.

Is RF ablation a better treatment than chemotherapy or radiation?
RF ablation is a surgical treatment that can be used to augment chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation have their own advantages and drawbacks. RF ablation is another tool for treating tumors.

How quickly is the procedure scheduled?
It usually takes several days to do an initial clinical evaluation and to obtain images that might be necessary to assess whether the procedure is technically feasible. If RF ablation appears feasible, the procedure can usually be scheduled and performed within one week.

Does this treatment require hospitalization?
Patients are admitted to the hospital overnight following a procedure. Hospitalization is usually 24 hours. Patients who are being treated for pain due to bone cancer may require longer hospitalization.

What are the effects on the body from this treatment?
Postsurgery side effects are often due to the anesthesia rather than the procedure. Mild flu-like symptoms with low-grade fever and muscle aches may occur in about one-third of patients who have RF ablation. Symptoms may last three to five days following ablation of a liver tumor. Minor discomfort at the ablation site is common and can be relieved with pain medication. Occasionally following this procedure, some people may feel pain in another part of the body, such as the shoulder.

Pain experienced from RF treatment varies with the location of the tumor. Most patients will have no pain following treatment of liver and kidney cancers. If pain occurs, it is treated with medication and usually resolves in 24 hours.

What is the success rate?
Because RF ablation is relatively new, most long-term data comes from treatment of liver tumors. In patients with a tumor isolated to the liver (no tumor in the lungs, lymph nodes, colon, etc.), improvements in survival have been noted. The preliminary data is encouraging. Mayo's experience with kidney cancer ablation is very encouraging; approximately 95 percent of small tumors have shown no evidence of recurrence on follow-up imaging exams. Similarly, bone ablation for pain reduction is effective in more than 80 percent of patients who have limited cancer involving the bone.