Percutaneous Ablation of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Metastatic Disease to the Lungs

Publication Date: August 1, 2021
Last Updated: March 3, 2023

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the Society of Interventional Radiology for percutaneous ablation of lung cancers.

Overview

Overview

  • Lungs are a common site for both primary and metastatic (carried in the circulation from other sites) cancers.
  • When surgery is not a good option, other cancer treatments are available. They are not often curative, but they do reduce symptoms and prolong life.
    • Radiation
    • Chemotherapy
    • Targeted therapy with genetically engineered agents
    • Percutaneous (through the skin) devices that ablate (destroy) cancer cells using heat (or cold).
  • This patient summary focuses on the use of percutaneous treatments to treat cancers in the lungs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Surgery must first be determined to be a poor choice to treat your cancer.
  • Your cancer should be imaged and biopsied to identify its nature.
  • Your cancer must be accessible to instruments passed through small incisions in the skin.
    • There may be more than one mass of cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment

  • The biopsy and the procedure will be guided by computed tomography (CT) imaging.
  • Heat will be delivered to the cancer mass(es) using radiofrequency or microwaves.
  • As with all major diseases, a complete evaluation of your health, particularly your lungs, and your cancer is needed to assure your treatment is best suited to your individual circumstances.
  • You will be followed after treatment to determine the effect of the treatment and your overall health.

Abbreviations

  • CT: Computed Tomography

Source Citation

Genshaft SJ, Suh RD, Abtin F, Baerlocher MO, Chang AJ, Dariushnia SR, Devane AM, Faintuch S, Himes EA, Lisberg A, Padia S, Patel S, Tam AL, Yanagawa J. Society of Interventional Radiology Multidisciplinary Position Statement on Percutaneous Ablation of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Metastatic Disease to the Lungs: Endorsed by the Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, and the Society of Interventional Oncology. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2021 Aug;32(8):1241.e1-1241.e12. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2021.04.024. PMID: 34332724.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.