Radiofrequency ablation of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: an overview.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of pancreatic neoplasms is restricted to locally advanced, non-resectable but non-metastatic tumors. RFA of pancreatic tumors is nowadays an ultrasound-guided procedure performed during laparotomy in open surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound covers the mandatory role of staging, evaluation of feasibility, guidance and monitoring of the procedure. Different types of needle can be used. The first aim in the evaluation of RFA as a treatment for locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, in order of evaluation but not of importance, is to determine the feasibility of the procedure. The second aim is to establish the effect of RFA on tumoral mass in terms of necrosis and cytoreduction. The most important aim, third in order of evaluation, is the potential improvement of quality of life and survival rate. Nowadays, only a few studies assess the feasibility of the procedure. The present paper is an overview of RFA for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
D'Onofrio
Mirko
M
Department of Radiology, University Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona 37134, Italy. mirko.donofrio@univr.it
Barbi
Emilio
E
Girelli
Roberto
R
Martone
Enrico
E
Gallotti
Anna
A
Salvia
Roberto
R
Martini
Paolo-Tinazzi
PT
Bassi
Claudio
C
Pederzoli
Paolo
P
Pozzi Mucelli
Roberto
R
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome