Abstract
Abstract Background Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is promising for the local treatment of breast cancer, burns are a frequent complication. The safety and efficacy of a new technique with a bipolar RFA electrode was evaluated. Methods Dosimetry was assessed ex vivo in bovine mammary tissue, applying power settings of 5-15 W with 10-20 min exposure and 3.0-12.0 kJ to a 20-mm active length bipolar internally cooled needle-electrode. Subsequently, in 15 women with invasive breast carcinoma ≤2.0 cm diameter ultrasound-guided RFA was performed followed by immediate resection. Results An ablation zone of 2.5 cm was reached in the ex vivo experiments at 15 W at 9.0 kJ administered energy. Histopathology revealed complete cell death in 10 of 13 patients (77%); in 3 patients partial ablation was due to inaccurate probe positioning. In 1 patient a pneumothorax was caused by the probe placement, treated conservatively. No burns occurred. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided RFA with a bipolar needle-electrode appears to be a safe local treatment technique for invasive breast cancer up to 2 cm. Ways to improve placement of the probe and direct monitoring of the ablation-effect should be the aim of further research.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 3868 |
Pages (from-to) | 1222-1229 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | European Journal of Surgical Oncology |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Breast cancer
- Minimally invasive techniques
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Surgery
- Medicine(all)