  |
Radiofrequency Ablation
Dr. Damian Dupuy in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Rhode Island Hospital and Dr. Howard Safran in the Department of Medical Oncology, both active members of the Brown University Oncology Group, have officially opened a study protocol for the treatment of painful osseous metastatic disease using radiofrequency ablation. Dr. Damian Dupuy is the principal investigator and is currently accepting patients who may benefit from this novel therapy. Initial research has shown that radiofrequency ablation can provide local pain relief caused by metastatic disease. Patients with very localized disease who may not require more extensive radiation therapy or patients who have been previously unsuccessfully treated with radiation therapy are potential candidates. Radiofrequency ablation is a percutaneously performed outpatient procedure whereby a small needle electrode is placed directly into the tumor using CT scan or ultrasound guidance. The high frequency radiowaves sent into the tumor cause heating and local necrosis of the tumor. The procedure takes between 45-90 minutes and can be performed with intravenous sedation. This technique is currently being applied to tumors involving the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal gland and skeleton. Although this technique has only been FDA approved since December 1997 the early results are very encouraging. More information regarding this new type of cancer treatment can be obtained by contacting Dr. Dupuy's nurse practicioner, Derek Tessier, in the Office of Minimally Invasive Therapy at dtessier@lifespan.org or telephoning him at 401-444-5707. Furthermore, in conjunction with the departments of Oncology and Radiation Oncology, Dr. Dupuy has opened a Phase II lung cancer study. The study is designed to provide substantial upfront reduction of live tumor with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in lung cancer patients who are not operative candidates due to poor lung or cardiac function. Patients undergo the most advanced staging with PET and CT scanning to determine if the cancers are confined to the lung. Patients are then treated with the most advanced radiation therapy called intensity modulation radiation therapy (IMRT) to minimize damage to normal tissues. Patients with larger tumors confined to the lung will receive radiation and chemotherapy after the RFA. For more information regarding this lung cancer treatment trial please contact Dr. Dupuy (Department of Diagnostic Imaging 401-444-5184) or Dr. Thomas DiPetrillo (Department of Radiation Oncology 401-444-8311).
Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Radiofrequency ablation has recently been applied to the primary treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas at Rhode Island Hospital by Dr. Dupuy as well as other national centers such as M.D.Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo-Clinic. Utilizing the cool-tip RF electrodes ablation of liver cancer can be performed in cases where surgery is contraindicated due to underlying liver disease, lesion location, and high surgical mortality due to underlying medical conditions. Hepatocellular carcinomas as large as 6cm in size can be treated with RF ablation (see below). If you would like more information about RF ablation, Dr. Damian Dupuy can be contacted in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Rhode Island Hospital at 401-444-5184 or by e-mail at ddupuy@lifespan.org Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: 78 year old woman with known heart disease and a 3cm right upper lobe lung cancer. Thoracic surgery was not considered an option given her underlying heart disease. Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: 80 year old man with severe heart disease and biopsy proven right upper lobe lung cancer. The patient was not a good candidate for surgery and was therefore a good candidate for the radiofrequency ablation-radiation therapy combination treatment. Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 1: |
