Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) : Liver Cancer Treatment

 

 

 

     Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a treatment method for liver cancer, including primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed. This technique utilizes high-frequency radio waves, which are converted into heat energy to destroy cancerous cells in the liver. RFA is most effective for small liver tumors, generally those less than 3 centimeters in diameter and located away from major blood vessels.

 

Liver Cancer Treatment with Thermal Ablation

     Thermal ablation is a suitable treatment for tumors smaller than 5 centimeters, with a reported efficacy rate of 97.2%. The most common thermal ablation techniques include Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA), both of which use a specialized needle to generate heat and destroy tumor cells.

 

Advantages of Thermal Ablation for Liver Cancer

• Comparable efficacy to surgical removal of liver tumors.
• Fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time.
• The procedure can be repeated if new cancerous growths develop.
• Most patients require only 1-2 days of hospitalization before being discharged.

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure of RFA Treatment

     RFA involves inserting a thin needle into the liver, positioning it precisely at the tumor site with guidance from CT scans or ultrasound. The Radio Frequency (RF) energy is then transmitted through the needle, generating heat up to 100°C, effectively destroying the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy liver tissue.

 

Benefits of RFA Treatment

• Minimally invasive – No major surgery is required.
• Local anesthesia or mild sedation – The procedure does not require general anesthesia.
• Short hospital stay – Patients typically recover within 1-2 days and can return to daily activities quickly.
• High safety profile – Fewer complications compared to surgical removal.
• Effective treatment outcomes – Survival rates are comparable to those of surgery.

 

 

 

 

Mechanism of Treatment

     The goal of RFA is to eliminate the tumor, including a 0.5 to 1 cm margin of surrounding liver tissue, to prevent recurrence. The needle acts as a conductor, delivering thermal energy to destroy cancerous cells within approximately one hour.

 

Treatment Process

1.  Hospital Admission & Pre-Treatment Evaluation

• Blood tests including LFT, Coagulogram, Platelet count, AFP, BUN, and Creatinine.

 

2.  Preparation

• The abdominal skin is disinfected at the needle insertion site.
• A radiologist confirms the tumor’s position using ultrasound or CT scans.

 

3.  Anesthesia & Needle Insertion

• A radiologist determines a safe path for the needle.
• Local anesthesia is administered.
• The anesthesiologist provides mild sedation and pain management.

 

4.  Thermal Ablation Treatment

• The needle is guided into the center of the tumor.
• Heat energy is applied to maintain a temperature of 60-100°C, ensuring complete tumor destruction.

 

Post-Treatment Care

• Patients should lie flat for at least 4 hours to prevent bleeding. If no complications arise, they may be discharged the next day.
• Mild fever or pain at the treatment site is common and can be managed with pain relievers.
• Normal activities can resume quickly, except for heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
• Follow-up imaging (CT or MRI) is performed 4 weeks after treatment to assess effectiveness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indications for Treatment

• Small liver tumors (≤5 cm).
• Up to 3 liver tumors in total.
• Non-resectable tumors, where surgery is not an option due to the patient’s health condition.
• Bridging therapy for liver transplant candidates.

 

Contraindications & Limitations

• Advanced liver cancer (Child’s Class C).
• Cancer that has metastasized to other organs.
• Patients with severe blood clotting disorders.

 

 

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RFA is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer, providing a viable alternative to surgery while ensuring a faster recovery and lower risk of complications.