Radiofrequency Ablation

Dr. Randall Owen has developed a novel technique to treat head and neck tumors that have been resistant to traditional methods of surgery and/or radiation.  Patients with tumor recurrences after surgery and/or radiation often have significant local symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, or disfigurement.  The technique of Radiofrequency Ablation offers the potential to decrease the symptoms caused by a recurrent tumor while avoiding the disadvantages of radical reoperation.  An article by Dr. Owen, “Radiofrequency Ablation of Head and Neck Tumors: Dramatic Results from Application of a New Technology,” describing the first series of patients to receive this treatment was published in the August 2002 issue of the medical journal Head and Neck.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a technique whereby a metal probe is inserted into a tumor and alternating current is delivered for a period of approximately five to ten minutes.  Tumor cells reach lethal temperatures and the tumor mass becomes necrotic.  Sometimes debridement of necrotic tissue is indicated at the time of the first procedure, or at a subsequent procedure.

The goal of this procedure at this point is not to cure patients of their tumors, but rather to offer palliation.  It is logical to ask why this procedure cannot be considered to cure a patient of the tumor.  The answer is that if a recurrent tumor is small enough to be completely removed by surgery, the patient ought to proceed with this known curative option.  Only when the tumor is unresectable would we then start to think of other options to treat the tumor.  Thus, Radiofrequency Ablation is only appropriate for patients who are unable to undergo a known curative procedure.

To date, seven tumors in six patients have been ablated.  As described in the above-mentioned article, there was no perioperative mortality and minimal morbidity.  Patients benefited from the treatment by alleviating symptoms caused by bulky local disease.  Two patients who were unable to close their mouths prior to the procedure were able to close their mouths postoperatively, improving their appearance and self-image tremendously.  Other patients experienced relief from pain caused by the tumor.  One patient survived eighteen months after treatment and died of other medical illnesses with complete local control of the tumor.

The Montefiore IRB-approved clinical trial of “Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients With No Other Treatment Option” is the only known trial of its kind in the world.  As of June 25, 2002, we have just been approved to continue accruing patients.

If you would like to discuss with Dr. Owen the appropriateness of this therapy for a patient, or refer a patient for consultation, please call (718) 920-4800 or send an e-mail to rowen@montefiore.org.