Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation - An innovative form of localized cancer treatment which uses high-energy radio waves to heat and destroy cancerous cells. In radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a thin, needle-like probe is temporarily placed into a tumor (e.g., through an incision in the abdomen), using CT scan or ultrasound guidance. The probe then releases electrodes that heat and destroy cancer cells. A type of local hyperthermia, radiofrequency ablation is usually reserved for patients for whom surgical resection of a tumor is not possible. RFA is sometimes used in liver cancer treatment.

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