Computed tomography-guided re-radiofrequency ablation for unresectable lung tumor with local progression previously treated with the same procedure

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical success, complications, and effectiveness of re-radiofrequency (re-RF) ablation for recurrent lung tumors previously treated with RF ablation. Materials and methods Reenlargement at the site of ablation seen on follow-up computed tomography (CT) is defined as local progression. CT-guided re-RF ablation was performed during 11 treatment sessions (mean tumor size 2.6 cm diameter) in 10 patients. The treated lesions consisted of five recurrences of primary lung cancer and six metastatic lung tumors from the esophagus ( n = 2), bladder ( n = 2), kidney ( n = 1), and colon ( n = 1). Results At 3 of the 11 treatment sessions there were no relapses; at 8 of the 11 sessions local progression was seen at a median of 7 months (range 3–17 months). The local progression rate was significantly higher for tumors >2.5 cm ( P < 0.05). Minor complications included pneumothorax not requiring drainage ( n = 3), subcutaneous emphysema ( n = 1), and self-limited hemoptysis ( n = 2). Conclusion Re-RF ablation for lung tumors was feasible without any major complications. Although our study comprised only a few cases with a short follow-up period, patients with re-RF ablation were at higher risk of local progression.