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Semin intervent Radiol 2013; 30(02): 141-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1342955
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Lung Cancer Ablation: Technologies and Techniques

Erica S. Alexander
1   Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Damian E. Dupuy
1   Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
28 May 2013 (online)

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Abstract

The incidence of lung cancers in 2012 is estimated to reach 226,160 new cases, with only a third of patients suitable surgical candidates. Tumor ablation has emerged as an important and efficacious treatment option for nonsurgical lung cancer patients. This localized minimally invasive therapy is best suited for small oligonodular lesions or favorably located metastatic tumors. Radiofrequency ablation has been in use for over a decade, and newer modalities including microwave ablation, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation have emerged as additional treatment options for patients. Ablation therapies can offer patients and clinicians a repeatable and effective therapy for palliation and, in some cases, cure of thoracic malignancies. This article discusses the available technologies and techniques available for tumor ablation of thoracic malignancies including patient selection, basic aspects of procedure technique, imaging follow-up, treatment outcomes, and comparisons between various therapies.

Keywords

lung cancer - thermal ablation - radiofrequency ablation - microwave ablation - cryoablation - interventional radiology
 

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