title: Efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation in the treatment of lung cancer lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, we reviewed a clinical series composed by all malignant lung lesions submitted to computed tomography-guided percutaneous thermal radiofrequency ablation, in our hospital, a rather recent technique that has been gaining scientific recognition.
  
  
  METHODS
  For data purposes, all radiofrequency ablation and corresponding clinical records were retrospectively analysed. A computed tomography scan was performed before and after each procedure to evaluate the tumour's features, and at a second step to assess results and complications. The frequency of local recurrence and disease progression were determined based on imaging follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival. Univariate analysis recognized clinical and pathological factors affecting survival. These were also tested by multivariate analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 28 malignant lung lesions, 20 primary and 8 metastatic, from 28 patients (78.6% male; mean age 62 ± 17 years old), were submitted to computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation between January 2004 and July 2010. Total necrosis was achieved in 74.1% of the lesions. Immediate radiofrequency ablation-related complications were observed in half of the procedures. Among major complications, death occurred in one patient only. Median overall survival was 43.0 months for a mean 2-years follow-up.Median progression-free survival was 31.6 months. Lesion's size smaller than 35 mm, stage III disease by the TNM classification and previous treatment attempts were significantly associated with better outcomes. Disease-related mortality was 46.4%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This procedure proved to be efficient to treat lung cancerous lesions, with a low-rate of major complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that appears to be valuable in the treatment of lung cancer lesions.
authors: Pulmonology Unit. Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra. Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra. Coimbra. Portugal.
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Tavares E Castro
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Freitas
authors: Antónia
authors: A
authors: Portilha
authors: Fernando
authors: F
authors: Alves
authors: Filipe
authors: F
authors: Caseiro-Alves
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult