To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: DG DISPATCH - RSNA: Radiofrequency Ablation Effective For Breast Cancer Liver Metastases URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/14CF92.htm Doctor's Guide December 1, 1999
By Lara Pullen Special to DG News CHICAGO, IL -- December 1, 1999 -- There is no established treatment for breast cancer metastases to the liver. A recent study, however, indicates that radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a safe and simple procedure that is an effective treatment for these local hepatic metastases. At the 85th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, in Chicago, IL, Dr. Tito Livraghi, of Vimercate Hospital, in Italy presented the results of a study designed to evaluate the efficacy of RF ablation in breast cancer liver metastases. The study consisted of 15 lesions in 10 patients (mean age of 51) who were treated at Vimercate Hospital. Eight of these patients had progressive metastatic disease after chemotherapy, while two patients had refused chemotherapy and presented with hepatic metastases only. Patients underwent ultrasound-guided RF ablation using 17-gauge, internally cooled electrodes. Following RF ablation, therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with biphasic helical computed tomography (CT) performed at four-month intervals. Follow-up ranged from four to 30 months. Complete necrosis was obtained in 14 out of 15 lesions (93 percent). Follow-up imaging studies were unable to detect a recurrence in any of the 14 lesions. Four patients have remained disease free, five developed new hepatic and/or extra-hepatic metastases, and one died with diffuse metastases. RF ablation resulted in no complications. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.