RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION TECHNIQUE FOR DEEP SEATED BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract

Fifteen pathologically diagnosed patients with grade II,III and IV primary or recurrent glioma (tumor diameter 2–5 cm) were randomly selected and underwent hyperthermia treatment in the form of radiofrequency treatment, and patients with recurrent tumors were treated with hyperthermia in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia treatment was administered at 90°C radio-frequency hyperthermia device. Electrodes were inserted into the tumor with the aid of a CT-guided stereotactic apparatus and heat was applied for 5 minutes . During follow up after hyperthermia treatment , patients were evaluated with head CT or MRI every month. Gliomas in the hyperthermia group exhibited growth retardation or growth termination. Decrease in tumour diameter was evident in 85% of the heated tumor tissue and there was a decrease in tumor diameter. Our findings indicate that radio frequency hyperthermia has a beneficial effect in the treatment of malignant glioma.