Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a safe, minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure that utilizes heat to kill cancer cells. RFA is most effective when treating small to medium sized tumors in the lungs - including primary lung cancer and cancers that have metastasized (spread) from other parts of the body into the lungs - and it has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of tumors in soft tissue (including lung).

During the procedure, a radiologist inserts a small needle through the skin into the tumor. Once the needle is in place, radiofrequency energy - similar to microwaves - are passed through the tip of the needle and into the tumor. The heat from the energy shrinks and kills the cancer cells - slowly forming a scar. Over time, the body absorbs and excretes the dead cells. Utilizing RFA to decrease the size of tumors or treat new tumors in the lungs can benefit patients by decreasing pain and other symptoms of lung cancer.

Because the energy used during RFA does not harm surrounding, healthy tissue it can be repeated as often as necessary and it is much easier on the patient than systemic therapy - such as chemotherapy. RFA does not affect the patient's overall health and most people can resume normal activity within a few days of the procedure.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation:

• Most effective for lung cancer patients
• General anesthesia is not usually required
• Relatively low cost
• Generally well tolerated by most patients
• Most patients can resume their normal routine within a few days
• RFA can be repeated as necessary
• RFA can be combined with other treatments
• A short hospital stay
• Few complications from the procedure