Introduction of radiofrequency ablation technology for lung cancer treatment

  Background Lung cancer has become an important killer of human health. The lung is also an important organ for the metastasis of other malignant tumors. Currently, the preferred treatment for lung cancer is surgical resection, however, only 20% of diagnosed lung cancer patients are suitable for surgery, and most of them can only undergo chemotherapy or add radiotherapy. The introduction of radiofrequency ablation tumor treatment system has brought a new choice for patients with lung cancer and lung metastatic tumors. Our thoracic surgery department is one of the early specialties to carry out this technology in China, and has accumulated rich clinical experience with leading technology.  Treatment principle Radiofrequency ablation is a new technology of minimally invasive tumor treatment, in which electrode needles are inserted directly into the tumor and radiofrequency waves are emitted by multiple slug electrodes, which can excite tissue cells to carry out plasma oscillation. It can effectively kill the local tumor cells, and at the same time, it can coagulate the tumor surrounding the effective tube tissue, block the tumor blood supply and help prevent the tumor from metastasis.  Treatment method Under local anesthesia and CT positioning guidance (preferred method) or under general anesthesia and thoracoscopy, the RF electrode needle is inserted into the tumor and the multi-shot electrode is opened for RF ablation until the tumor is completely destroyed. This method has the advantages of minimally invasive, quick effect, short treatment course and high safety, and it can be well tolerated by the maximum age of 93 years old patients treated in our hospital. If combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, it can significantly improve the efficacy.  Indications 1.non-small cell lung cancer not suitable for surgical resection; 2.lung cancer of advanced age, poor cardiopulmonary function, patient or family members unwilling to operate; 3.lung tumor with maximum diameter below 4.0cm, preferably peripheral type; 4.lung metastatic cancer caused by gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer or ovarian cancer (the number of metastatic cancer should be within three).