has anyone heard of radiofrequency abalation

[thegoodson]

this would be in regards to my moms recent recurrence with meta. to liver. Can Doxil reverse this? A very worriesome
mass has wrapped itself around the portal vein causing visible narrowing of it. Do we have time to try doxil and hope it will work? I read about radiofreq. abalation for ov.ca.liver metastatic tumors-an electrode is ct-scan guided into th tumor and then electrified with radiowaves thus killing the tumor.....plz share any info you may have and good blessings and luck to all

[jr1971]

This site seems to have a good amount of information:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=rfa

[ireneo]

I'm very familiar with radio frequency ablations but only in my heart. I've had it done 3 times to correct irregular heart rhythms. In my case the 4 catheters were run up the femoral veins (no, it didn't hurt) and into the heart where they would apply the RF and burn areas in the heart to stop the errand signals. The burns scar over and act as a wall. I wonder if that's how it works with tumors. Are they destroying the tumors or just stopping the blood supply to the tumor?

The burns are quite small, about 3mm by 5mm. In the case of a tumor I imagine they would have to do a lot of applications to damage or destroy the area. I've had 38 burns to my heart and it's still in good health. It would be wonderful to learn exactly how they handle it with growths.

They do give the patient medications to send him/her to la-la land and fentanyl to cover any pain associated with the ablating portion.

[marie3B]

I am interested in the same thing for myself.  The last time I was on chemo it did not help the tumor near my portal vein.  Luckily an excellent surgeon got it out.  This time I don't think surgery is an option for my liver.  I plan on asking my onc about abalation.  Will appreciate anyone sharing info and experience with it.