Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Interventional Radiology (IR)

This subspecialty of radiology uses imaging technology to guide minimally invasive procedures sometimes done as an alternative to surgery, especially for patients who may be too ill for surgery. Using fluoroscopy, ultrasound and CT, interventional radiologists guide needles, catheters and other devices through small incisions in the body to reach targeted areas. Most of these procedures are performed using local anesthesia and moderate sedation.

Physician preparing patient for interventional procedure

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

RFA is a newer interventional radiology treatment for lung cancer that uses a high-frequency electrical current to heat a specific area of tissue, destroying cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding cells. RFA is most appropriate for patients with small, early stage primary lung cancers who are considered high-risk for surgery because of health concerns, or patients with metastatic tumors who’ve had previous surgery. We are performing this procedure as part of a multi-center national trial with the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group.

To perform the procedure, a tiny incision is made in the chest wall. Using CT guidance, a needle electrode is placed into the chest and moved to the site of the tumor. Once the electrode is in place, radiofrequency energy is applied to destroy the cancer cells. The electrode is then removed.

Cryoablation

This procedure kills the lung tumor by freezing it. The physician uses ultrasound or CT to monitor the placement of a metal tube into the tumor. The tube is then cooled to -190°C (-360°F), and an ice ball engulfs and kills the tumor. Cryoablation can be a less painful way to treat a chest wall lesion and is preferred over RFA, depending on the location of the tumor and whether it’s near critical structures.

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