RF ablation reduces pain in bone cancer patients

Image-guided radiofrequency ablation significantly reduces the level of pain experienced by cancer patients with bone meta-stases, limiting the need for strong narcotic pain management, and supporting improved patient frame of mind, according to a study published in the journal Cancer.

In the American College of Radiology Imaging Network study the researchers examined 55 patients who had a single painful bone metastasis. Each received CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of the tumor. Patients experienced statistically significant pain reduction at one- and three-month follow-up for all pain assessment measurements including pain relief, intensity, and severity (Cancer 2009 Dec 29. Epub ahead of print).