|
|
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
What is RFA?
RFA is the abreviation for Radiofrequency Ablation.
Why should I undergo ablation of liver tumors?
Many liver tumors are not treatable by today's modalities. Our program offers an option for these non-treatable tumors. Altough we do not have proven studies, it is our belief, that liver tumor ablation can extend the life of our patients. Liver tumor ablation is not considered a cure from cancer.
Symptoms of hormone secreting tumors such as flushing, diarrhea or elevated blood pressure may lessen or subside.
After liver tumor ablation you can continue or start other treatments for your disease.
We have not seen any long-term side-effects, and the impact of the surgery on your quality of life is considerably low.
How successful is RFA at Cleveland Clinic?
We presented at the meeting of the Society of Surgical Oncology 1999 in Orlando/Fla. the following success rates:
What is Dr. Siperstein's experience with liver tumor ablation?
Dr. Siperstein is the pioneer of the laparoscopic approach for radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors. Since the first case in January 1996, our group has the most extensive experience and long-term follow-up. He has authored numerous publications.
Is the Radiofrequency Ablation device FDA approved?
The Radiofrequency ablation device used by the Liver Tumor Ablation Program has FDA 510K marketing authorization. The FDA typically does not approve devices but authorizes them for marketing. Surgical are not approved in the same manner as medications.
What would exclude me from having RFA?
There are various reasons why patients are not candidates for RFA. For example:
We also evaluate a patients overall health. If you are not a candidate for RFA, we may make suggestions for other treatment options.
Do you treat tumors outside the liver?
No. The Liver Tumor Ablation Program only treats liver tumors.
How many tumors can be treated?
The number of tumors that can be treated is evaluated on an individual basis. Each patient's diagnosis and case is different.
Are the dead lesions removed?
No. The liver tumors are heated and the tumor cells die. There is no need to remove the tumors. Your body over time resorbs the dead tissue.
Do I have to have chemotherapy first?
No. However, many of our patients have completed chemo therapy and other treatments such as resection, cryotherapy, chemoebolization, hepatic artery infusion pumps, and ethanol injection.
What is the standard follow-up after treatment?
Standard follow-up examination times are one week after the procedure and every 3 months thereafter. CT scans of the abdomen, laboratory work and a patient questionnaire are common parts of the follow-up appointments.
Why is long-term follow-up important?
Because of the highly technical nature of this procedure, each surgeon performing this procedure will have their own recurrence/success rates. It is very important for each surgeon to evaluate their own success rate. This requires the surgeon to closely follow each patient and tumor treated with RFA for at least 6-12 months. Tumor must be individually measured at each time point to determine any change in size and appearance. A successfully ablated tumor will continue to reduce in size on susequent CT scans
Each tumor is evaluated for risk factors. We have identified risk factors as size, location, and type of tumors. Those tumors smaller than 5.0 cm are more successfully treated, a 92% success rate. Tumors which are greater than 5.0 cm and/ or near major blood vessels have a higher rate of recurrence, and have a 88% success rate.
What do the tumors look like on follow-up CT scans?
During RFA, we ablate the tumor and a margin of normal tissue
surrounding the tumor to insure the entire tumor is ablated. We
obtain a one week CT scan to evaluate the ablated lesion. The tumor
area appears larger than on the pre-operative CT scan. This is a
successful ablation.
In the later CT scans this lesion shrinks in size and shows no blood
flow. These are our criterias for a treatment success.
How can I be evaluated for RFA?
To evaluate your case we evaluate the following :
As the first step however, you should provide general information about you or your relative to us (see home page for contact information.) We will discuss your situation and request additional reports as needed.
If I have RFA, does this limit me from other treatment options?
No. After RFA you may undergo other types of treatment.
Can I be retreated?
If you should develop new tumors or have a recurrent tumor you may be a candidate for retreatment.
Is RFA covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies cover RFA. We work very diligently to obtain insurance authorization.
I do not live in Cleveland. Can I get treated?
Many of our patients are from out of the area. We are very
sensitive to the many needs of traveling for the patients and their
families. We have established a network of housing and transportation
and take full responsibility of arranging all appointments before the
RFA.
You will get detailed instructions when you are scheduled for the
procedure.
Follow-up examinations can be done at the Cleveland Clinic or through
your primary caregiver. Our clinical coordinator will help you in
case of any problems during the follow-up time.
What are clinical trials?
Please click on the following links to get extensive information about clinical trials.
Oncolink (University of Pennsylvania) or National Cancer Institute
Do I have to paricipate in a clinical trial?
No. Patients have the right to not participate without having a
negative effect on their healthcare. Patient who do not wish to
particicate in the trial may still have the procedure.
What is the benefit of being in the trial?
Operations performed within a clinical trial allow us to monitor
their progress more closely than outside of the protocol.
What do I have to do, to get in the trial?
You should submit your data to us. We will review your case, contact
you and ask for additional information. If you are a canditate (fit
the criteria and might benefit from treatment) you are scheduled for
surgery
This ends the information tour about RF liver tumor ablation. Back to the Patient Information homepage.
