RFA Found to Be Best Treatment for Bone Tumor

A large-scale study has found that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) should be the treatment of choice for most patients with osteoid osteoma, a benign but painful bone tumor. The finding was reported in the October 2003 issue of Radiology.

The study involved 184 males and 79 females, aged 2-56. Most of the tumors were located in the lower extremities and most of the procedures were for initial treatment. A computed tomography (CT)-guided wire was inserted to the tumor site, which transmitted an electrical current to destroy the lesion. Most patients were able to resume daily activities immediately after the two-hour procedure. Follow-up at 24 months on 126 patients showed that 112 were a complete success, meaning patients had no pain, were taking no medicine, and required no additional procedures. The success rate of repeat treatments was 60%.

In contrast, conventional treatment involves surgery and anti-inflammatory drugs. Open surgery, however, can pose problems. For example, the tumor may be difficult to identify, and incomplete removal could lead to recurrence. Also, cutting out a tumor from a weight-bearing bone might require a prolonged recuperation.

"This study shows that radiofrequency ablation can be performed as an outpatient procedure on the great majority of patients with osteoid osteoma,” said Dr. Daniel Rosenthal, professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School (Boston, USA), who conducted the study. "The success rate is high, the complications rate low, and the recovery brief.”




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