ABSTRACT
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used in the treatment of both benign and malignant
bone tumors. To date, the most widely utilized techniques with regard to bone tumors
are cryotherapy in the operative setting of malignant or locally recurrent neoplasms,
and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas and metastatic bone disease.
this article provides a brief overview of the problem of metastatic bone disease and
discusses the clinical opportunities for radiofrequency tumor ablation in treating
painful bony metastases. Standard therapeutic options in the treatment of painful
bony metastases include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, surgery,
bisphosphonates, and the use of opiod and other analgesics. Despite these measures,
the quality of life for these patients is often poor because of intolerable and intractable
pain. A more effective modality of local treatment for bone metastases could substantially
improve the quality of life for the patient. Radiofrequency ablation is emerging as
a promising treatment option for painful bony metastases and early studies has demonstrated
that RFA can be safely applied to metastatic bone disease and, as a consequence, be
able to achieve effective pain palliation and local control of disease.
KEYWORDS
Radiofrequency ablation - bone - painful metastases - percutaneous
