New Technique Destroys Inoperable Kidney Tumours

A new technique called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is proving successful in destroying kidney tumours less than 3cm in size and some larger tumours depending on the location. Patients using this new technique are recovering more quickly and with less pain than conventional surgery.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) delivers heat generated by electrical energy to tumour sites through a thin needle, similar to probes used in biopsy procedures. Placement of the probe is guided by a CT scan, ultrasound or other imaging technique. RFA has already been used to treat cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) and osteoid nosteoma (a type of bone tumour).42 individual tumours were treated ranging from 1 to almost 9 cm in size. All tumours located on the surface of the kidney were completely destroyed, regardless of size. Although larger tumours within the central kidney were more difficult to treat, no more than half of such tumours were destroyed with additional treatments.

During a follow up period ranging from 3 months to 3.5 years, 4 patients died of unrelated causes, 2 of whom had no tumour recurrence. The other 30 patients have had no local recurrence of the treated tumour and none of the patients with limited kidney function needed to go on dialysis.

(Source: NexCura)