Sarcoma Lung Metastases Treated with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation: Results from 29 Patients

Purpose We aimed to determine safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of lung metastases arising from sarcoma. Methods Between 2002 and 2009, 29 patients (mean age 51 years) treated for metastatic sarcoma with a maximum of 5 lung metastases treatable with RFA were followed prospectively. The end points were local efficacy (assessed by computed tomography during the follow-up period), complications, and survival (overall and disease-free). Results A total of 47 metastases were treated with RFA. Median follow-up time was 50 months (range 28–72 months). Pneumothorax was the most frequent complication and occurred in 68.7% of the procedures. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 92.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.98) and 65.2% (95% CI 0.42–0.81), respectively. Disease-free survival was 7 months (95% CI 3.5–10). Five recurrences on RFA sites were noted during follow-up. Conclusions RFA is safe and efficient in the treatment of lung metastasis originating from sarcomas. RFA may provide a low-morbidity alternative to surgery, being less invasive and preserving the patient’s ability to undergo possible repeat operations.