Radiofrequency Ablation System Treats Spinal Tumors

A highly precise ablation system permits minimally invasive targeted tumor necrosis of metastatic spinal tumors.

The Spinal Tumor Ablation with Radiofrequency (STAR) system uses targeted radiofrequency ablation (t-RFA) to deliver energy that heats and destroys the metastatic spinal tumor, providing rapid and lasting pain relief in a single treatment. The bipolar device provides the physician with real-time procedural information using temperature-measuring thermocouples that monitor and adjust, in real time, the RF energy being delivered to the tumor, maximizing tumor destruction while minimizing the risk of impacting healthy surrounding tissue.


During the procedure, the tumor is approached in a uniportal manner with a series of navigational osteotomes and the steerable ablation Instrument. Once positioned appropriately, the articulating electrode of the ablation Instrument is deployed, and RF energy is delivered from the generator directly into the tumor. Local temperatures in and around the ablation zone are continuously displayed and physician controlled at all times. When the required number of RF ablation cycles has been reached, the pedicle access may be closed.

Following ablation with the STAR system, the vertebrae are stabilized with ultra-high viscosity cement; the minimally invasive procedure generally takes about an hour. Unlike patients being treated with radiation therapy for metastatic spinal tumors, those who undergo RF ablation therapy for the same reasons may have no need to delay their systemic and primary cancer regimens. The STAR system is a product of DFine (San Jose, CA, USA), and has received the European community CE mark of approval.

“We are very excited to bring this new treatment modality to Europe so that the hundreds of thousands of patients suffering from painful spinal tumors can receive the rapid pain relief that patients here in the US have experienced. This represents a significant milestone for the company,” said Greg Barrett, CEO of DFine.

Metastatic spinal tumors are a growth of cell mass in or around the vertebra near the spinal cord. It is estimated that 30%–40% of cancer patients will likely develop metastatic spinal tumors. Currently, patients suffering from painful spinal tumors have limited options, and many live in excruciating pain, unable to perform activities of daily living.

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