ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Researchers today reinforced radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an effective and safe alternative to adrenalectomy in the treatment of benign and malignant adrenal gland tumors.
“Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective procedure to treat adrenal tumors in patients who are poor surgical candidates or refuse adrenalectomy,” said Dr. Lima Lawrence, a member of the team that shared its RFA case study findings at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 25th Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress media briefing. “Although it offers patients a minimally invasive option for treating focal adrenal tumors, properly designed randomized controlled trials are needed before incorporating RFA into the standard of care for adrenal tumors.”
A procedure that traditionally has been performed under ultrasound or CT guidance for patients with various cancers such as liver, lung, kidney and bone, the treatment of adrenal tumors using RFA has been a more recent option for patients unable to undergo surgical intervention. Using ultrasound or CT-scan guidance, interventional radiologists perform the procedure with a a RF ablation needle with an active tip that is inserted and gradually advanced to the adrenal lesion. RFA works by using alternating electrical current to generate heat and induce thermal damage and tissue necrosis at temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Celsius in the area adjacent to the electrode tip.
RFA has been shown in various studies to resolve abnormal biochemical markers and clinical symptoms caused by adrenal tumors.
Dr. Lawrence’s media briefing presentation (from an abstract written by Dr. Aleida Roderiguiz, Dr. Lima Lawrence, Dr. Farah Hasan, and Dr. Tahira Yasmeen) is at 12:45 on Thursday, May 26, 2016.
About the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) represents more than 7,000 endocrinologists in the United States and abroad. AACE is the largest association of clinical endocrinologists in the world. The majority of AACE members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and concentrate on the treatment of patients with endocrine and metabolic disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity. Visit our site at www.aace.com.
About the American College of Endocrinology (ACE)
The American College of Endocrinology (ACE) is the educational and scientific arm of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). ACE is the leader in advancing the care and prevention of endocrine and metabolic disorders by: providing professional education and reliable public health information; recognizing excellence in education, research and service; promoting clinical research and defining the future of Clinical Endocrinology. For more information, visit www.aace.com/college.
