Although surgical resection remains to be the best treatment strategy for stageⅠnon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), percutaneous thermal ablation offers an important option for patients who are unable to undergo surgical resection. Currently, there are three main thermal ablation methods used in the treatment of lung cancer, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA) and argon-helium cryoablation (AHC). With the improvement of technique and the accumulation of experience in the treatment of lung cancer, some limitations are disclosed in the initial application of RFA, such as heat sink effect, skin burns and rapid carbonization. These shortcomings have been overcome in the development of MWA and AHC. The feasibility and safety of thermal ablation for the treatment of lung cancer has been demonstrated and its efficacy has been significantly improved (especially for the tumour diameter≤3 cm). This article will focus on the application and recent research developments of these ablation techniques in the treatment of lung cancer.
ObjectiveTo summarize the comprehensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) treatment and holistic scientific management approach in a case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in S7+S9 segments with prostatic metastasis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and follow-up outcomes of a patient with HCC in S7+S9 segments who developed prostatic metastasis during treatment, admitted to the Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People’s Hospital of Guangdong Province). ResultsDue to the complexity of the patient’s condition, an MDT discussion was held upon initial admission. It was concluded that the HCC diagnosis was clear, with lesions confined to the liver (S7+S9 segments) and a tumor diameter less than 3 cm, making surgical resection or ablation therapy the preferred options. However, the patient declined liver transplantation and surgical resection. Therefore, CT-guided microwave ablation (MWA) was performed on the primary HCC lesions in segments S7 and S9b. Prior to subsequent treatments for recurrent disease, MDT discussions were held again, and treatments were tailored to the discussion outcomes while respecting the patient’s wishes. Over time, the patient underwent CT-guided liver puncture MWA, re-ablation for recurrent tumors, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Following this comprehensive MDT treatment plan, the patient had survived for over 78 months, with no evidence of active tumor lesions in the liver, prostate, or other parts of the body. Alpha-fetoprotein levels and liver function remained normal, and the patient’s quality of life was good. ConclusionComprehensive MDT treatment incorporates various technologies and approaches, along with holistic scientific management, can yield favorable outcomes for patients with complex and challenging HCC.