Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a technique that was developed and pioneered by researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine. In this technique, a special needle is inserted into the tumor and radiofrequency current is applied. This current will cause selective heating only around the needle tip thus causing tumor destruction.

Is the needle inserted for RFA placed through the skin or will it require an operation for needle placement?

The radiofrequency needle is usually placed through the skin. However, if the radiologist and surgeon decide that they would have a better chance of killing the tumor, then an operation may be required for needle placement.

Who performs RFA?

Radiologists usually perform RFA if the needle is placed directly through the skin. If an operation is required for needle placement, then a surgeon and radiologist may work together to place the needle.

How long does this procedure take?

If the needle is placed through the skin, the procedure usually takes two to three hours to perform. Much of that time is spent on proper preparation of the patient for the procedure. If the procedure requires an operation for needle placement, then it may take from three to five hours to perform.

How long is the hospital stay?

If the RFA needle is inserted through the skin, a one-night hospital stay is required and the patient will be released the following day. If the RFA procedure requires an operation for needle placement, then the hospital stay is two days or more.

Who is eligible for RFA?

Only a small number of patients are eligible for RFA. If the patient is healthy and the cancer is localized, then surgery is the usual method of treatment. RFA is reserved for patients are considered high-risk and cannot undergo surgery. Patients with localized disease may be candidates for RFA with needle placement through the skin.

Who are not eligible for RFA?

Patients with disease in multiple locations are not eligible for the RFA treatment. Patients in whom the tumor is larger than two inches, or in whom there are greater than four tumors in one organ, are not usually eligible for RFA.

In what areas of the body can RFA be performed?

RFA has been shown to be effective in liver tumors. The liver tumors that are best for RFA are primary liver cancer called hepatoma. Also, patients with colon cancer that has spread to the liver may also be candidates for RFA. Patients with liver cancer from other causes are usually not as successfuly treatedl with RFA. However, it has been useful in some patients with breast cancer metastatic to the liver.

RFA has also been successful in treatment of primary cancer of the kidney, called renal cell carcinoma. RFA may also be used to treat some primary lung cancer. However, this should be an isolated tumor no greater than two inches in diameter. Patients with colon cancer metastatic to the lung can be treated if there are four or fewer tumors.

Who do I contact concerning possible RFA?

It is best to contact the UC Davis Cancer Center. If eligible for RFA treatment, the Cancer Center will refer the patient to a specialist who can evaluate the disease and discuss the best options. The Cancer Center referral line is (916) 734-5900.

RFA of Breast Cancer Combined With Surgical Resection
UC Davis Medical Center Grant
In collaboration with Dr. Vijay Khatri of the Department of Surgery

RFA of Painful Boney Metastases
ACRIN Clinial Trial
John P. McGahan, M.D., Principal Investigator

RFA of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Colon Rectal Liver Metastasis
On-going Clinical Research

RFA of Primary Renal Cell Carcinoma
On-going Clinical Research

RFA of Uterine Fibroids in Conjunction with Hysterectomy
John P. McGahan, M.D., Principal Investigator

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John P. McGahan, M.D.
Wayne Monsky, M.D., Ph.D.
Elizabeth Moore, M.D.