Results of 100 pancreatic radiofrequency ablations in the context of a multimodal strategy for stage III ductal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

We presented the broadest experience of RFA in stage III PDAC, focusing on the rationale of its application and considering the advanced stage of disease and the cytoreductive purpose of the procedure. The critical aspects of the technique, along with the unexpected results in efficacy, were discussed.

Radiofrequency Pancreatic Ablation and Section of the Main Pancreatic Duct Does Not Lead to Necrotizing Pancreatitis

“…However, RF pancreatic ablation has been repeatedly warned to be associated with severe necrotizing pancreatitis with lifethreatening haemorrhagic complications, among other critical and dangerous complications 15,27 . Even though, recent experiences seem to have reduced these severe complications using some prophylactic measures to avoid severe acute pancreatitis (such as exocrine secretion inhibition or reducing the ablative area to the tumor) 24,28,29 or thermal damage of the duodenum (using a duodenal cooling) 30 , this technique should be considered with extreme caution because of these serious complications 8 .…”

Clinical application of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer

“…As the ions collide with each other to generate heat, the temperature in the treatment area reaches 50 ° C. and the central temperature reaches 80-100 ° C., so as to kill local tumor cells quickly and effectively [4]. Radiofrequency ablation can also make local tumor blood vessels coagulation, blocking tumor blood supply, thereby further aggravating cell ischemia and delay tumor growth.…”

Irreversible electroporation of locally recurrent pancreatic cancer with 5-year survival

“…Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) causes tissue destruction through high frequency alternating currents generating high local temperatures (>40°C) which cause a coagulative necrosis [5]. Risks of RFA therapy include thermal injury to nearby vasculature, bowel and biliary tree which leads to complications such as portal vein thrombosis, duodenal injury and gastrointestinal bleeding [6,7]. Microwave ablation (MWA) is another treatment modality for LAPC.…”