Open radio-frequency thermal ablation of renal VX2 tumors in a rabbit model using a cooled-tip electrode: feasibility, safety, and effectiveness.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of radio-frequency (RF) ablation using an internally cooled-tip electrode on renal VX2 tumors implanted in rabbits. Thirty-three rabbits with implanted renal VX2 tumors were divided into two groups: an RF ablation (RFA) group ( n=27) and a control group ( n=6). In the RFA group, RFA was performed on 27 implanted VX2 tumors using a cooled RF electrode and they were divided into three subgroups according to the follow-up period: acute (1-3 days, n=12); subacute (1-4 weeks, n=9); and chronic (2-7 months, n=6). Contrast-enhanced spiral CT was performed before the RFA and at the day, day 3, weeks 1, 2, 4, and months 2 and 7, after the RFA. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by the survival rate, CT, and pathologic findings. The RFA of renal tumors was technically successful in each instance. Complete tumor ablation was achieved in 22 of the 27 rabbits (81.5%) in the RFA group: 5 rabbits survived longer than 8 weeks without any evidence of viable tumor (18.5%) and 17 rabbits were found free of viable tumors when killed (63.0%). Five rabbits showed local tumor relapse and/or hematogenous lung metastasis after ablation (a recurrence rate of 18.5%). There were 11 (40.7%) complications related to the procedure. This experimental study demonstrates the feasibility of RFA therapy to treat renal VX2 tumors in rabbits, although RFA for central tumors carries some major potential complications, including renal arterial injury.
Lee
Jeong Min
JM
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 28 Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, South Korea. JMLSHY@naver.com
Kim
Sang Won
SW
Chung
Gyung Ho
GH
Lee
Sang Yong
SY
Han
Young Min
YM
Kim
Chong Soo
CS
D000818:Animals; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D003287:Contrast Media; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D007472:Iohexol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D011817:Rabbits; D012449:Safety; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide