Radiofrequency ablation of early-stage invasive breast tumors: An overview

S. Eva Singletary*, Bruno D. Fornage, Nour Sneige, Merrick I. Ross, Rache Simmons, Armando Giuliano, Nora Hansen, Henry M. Kuerer, Lisa A. Newman, Frederick C. Ames, Gildy Babiera, Funda Meric, Kelly K. Hunt, Beth Edeiken, Attiqa N. Mirza

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

As the management of breast cancer evolves toward less invasive treatments, the next step is the possibility of removing the primary tumor without surgery. The most promising of the noninvasive ablation techniques is radiofrequency ablation, which uses frictional heating that is caused when ions in the tissue attempt to follow the changing directions of a high-frequency alternating current. Three pilot studies, including an ongoing study at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, have demonstrated that radiofrequency ablation is effective for the destruction of small primary breast cancers. The most important factor for successful radiofrequency ablation is accuracy of the ultrasound evaluation, which is used to estimate tumor size, localize the tumor for treatment, and monitor the progress of the ablation. A study in preparation at M.D. Anderson will determine whether the use of radiofrequency ablation alone for the local treatment of primary breast cancer will result in outcomes equivalent to those obtained with breast conservation therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)177-180
Number of pages4
JournalCancer Journal
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2002

Keywords

  • Breast tumor
  • Noninvasive
  • Radiofrequency ablation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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