Radiofrequency ablation reduces tumor volume and decreases associated pain in patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo conventional treatment for advanced head and neck tumors, according to a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Head and Neck Society.

Radiofrequency ablation destroys soft tissue through heat-induced tissue coagulation.
This technology has traditionally been used to attack malignant tumors in the liver, prostate, kidney, and spleen. Before this study, it had been only used to treat benign conditions of the head and neck.

In the current study, patients who were ineligible for standard radiation or surgical interventions were offered experimental treatment. A total of 11 patients were enrolled. The ablation technique involved direct insertion of a metal probe with multiple tips into the tumor mass. When current was delivered, a spherical zone of tissue destruction resulted. Cells within a zone of lethal temperatures for at least 5 minutes were usually killed.

The research team found that oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors were receptive to transoral placement of the probe by palpation of the lesion and visualization of the probe tips in the tumor. Guidance with computed tomography scanning was used for tumors that were not readily visible. Treatment produced tumor volume reduction, relief from tumor-related pain or inability to close the mouth, or more than 1 such positive result.

The authors urge larger-scale study of the technique for patients with malignant head and neck tumors.