Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation of lung VX2 tumors in a rabbit model using a cooled tip-electrode: Feasibility, safety, and effectiveness

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of lung VX2 tumors implanted in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Thirty-five rabbits with implanted lung VX2 tumors were divided into two groups, an RFA group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 7). In the RFA group, RFA was performed on VX2 tumors using a 17-gauge internally cooled-tip electrode. Contrast-enhanced CT was performed before the RFA and on the same day, day 3, weeks 1, 2, 3, and months 1, 2, 6, and 9, after the RFA. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by CT and pathologic findings. RESULTS. RFA of lung tumors was technically successful in each instance. Complete tumor ablation was achieved in 19 of the 28 rabbits (67.9%) in the RFA group. Nine rabbits (32.1%) showed local tumor relapse and mediastinal lymph nodal or pleural metastasis. The animals in the control group died of end-stage malignancies with diffuse tumor spread and malignant pleural effusion (mean 26 ± 2.7 days). There were 17 (60.7%) complications related to the procedure, ie, pneumothorax (n = 12), obstructive pneumonia (n = 3), hemothorax (n = 1), and burn (n = 1). RFA of centrally located VX2 tumors (in inner 2/3 of the lung) was more frequently associated with complications than RFA of peripherally located VX2 tumors (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION. This experimental study demonstrates the feasibility of RFA therapy for treating lung VX2 tumors in rabbits, although RFA for central tumors carries the potential for major complications, including large pneumothorax or obstructive pneumonia.