Radiofrequency ablation for breast cancer: a review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) provides an effective technique for minimally invasive tissue destruction. A novel application is the use for treatment of small breast carcinoma.


METHODS
A broad search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane library. Results of the relevant articles were analysed.


RESULTS
The analysed studies were all feasibility or pilot studies using different patient and tumour characteristics and ablation settings. Despite many methodological differences, high percentages of complete tumour ablation varying between 80% and 100% were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency ablation is a promising new tool for minimally invasive ablation of small carcinomas of the breast. A large randomized control study is required to assess the long-term advantages of RFA compared to the current breast conserving therapies.
van der Ploeg
I M C
IM
Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. irisvanderploeg@hotmail.com
van Esser
S
S
van den Bosch
M A A J
MA
Mali
W P Th M
WP
van Diest
P J
PJ
Borel Rinkes
I H M
IH
van Hillegersberg
R
R
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures