Tumor Eradication by Radiofrequency Therapy

TLDR

Tumor blood flow is only 2–15 % of surrounding tissue, and impaired perfusion limits cooling, distinguishing cancer from normal tissue. The authors propose using radiofrequency energy to heat tumors locally, exploiting their sluggish circulation. RF heating raises tumor temperature, but reduced blood flow limits cooling, allowing heat to accumulate. RF heating increased tumor temperatures by 5–9.5 °C, eradicated animal cancers without damaging normal tissue, and induced necrosis or regression in 21 patients.

Abstract

Tumor blood flow, measured by an isotope dilution technique, is only 2% to 15% of that of the surrounding tissue. This sluggish circulation differentiates cancer from normal tissue and forms the basis for a new therapy that entails the transfer of radiofrequency (RF) energy for heating tissues locally. The heated tissue is cooled by the circulation of blood, which carries away the heat. Impaired perfusion, as in cancers, impedes cooling. Heating by RF elevated the temperatures of animal and human cancers by 5 to 9.5 C above that of healthy tissue. The heat eradicated the animal cancers without destruction of normal tissue. Radiofrequency therapy produced tissue necrosis or substantial regression of cancer in 21 patients.