All patients treated had x-ray evidence that most of the targeted tumor was killed by the treatment. No major complications were seen. In another preliminary study, RF ablation provided effective short-term pain control in 21 of 24 painful tumors. RF could eventually be an option for inoperable patients who have not responded to conventional methods, are on high-dose sedating pain medicine, or have had maximum allowable radiation, according to Dr. Wood. However, without randomized, prospective trials and long-term results, RF is not an alternative to surgery at this point.
Surgery remains the proven treatment of choice for most solitary or small liver tumors.
Collaborating with Dr. Wood on this research are Drs. Published monthly for CC employees by the Office of Clinical Center Communications, Colleen Henrichsen, chief. News, article ideas, calendar events, letters, and photographs are welcome. Deadline for submissions is the second Monday of each month.