RAF for lung nodule

[AuntyJane]

Has anyone tried this procedure for breast cancer that has metastasized to lung? I had 3 biopsies but due to nodule in a hard to reach area of the lung, couldn’t get enough tissue for testing. If yes, did it work to eradicate the tumor? Any side effects, infection or other issues from the procedure?

“Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to treat both breast cancer and lung nodules, meaning it could potentially be used to treat a lung nodule that is a metastasis from breast cancer; this minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a needle-like probe into the tumor, which then generates heat using radiofrequency energy to destroy the cancerous tissue, often guided by imaging techniques like CT scans or ultrasound.”

[Grapehead]

Hi - this is my diagnosis - breast to lung metastasis but I’m in UK. Has this been offered to you before anything systemic like Ribociclib or Ibrance and hormone treatment?

[Liessie in reply to Grapehead]

, Hi , I too am in the UK and have, breast to lungs metastatic, I have been on Ibrance and Letrozole , for over 4 years ,

[AuntyJane in reply to Grapehead]

Yes I was on Ibrance but even at the lowest dose and taking 2-3 week breaks, it brought down my WBC/ANC to the point I basically had no immune system. My bone marrow was permanently compromised by past high dose chemo at the time of my initial occurrence many years ago. When I was on Ibrance it went dangerously low, I became neutropenic and my doctor felt it was too risky.

[Grapehead in reply to AuntyJane]

I understand, thanks for you reply x

[Coddfish]

Not quite the same thing but I have had microwave ablation of liver mets. A probe under general anaesthetic, image guided, reaches high temperature to burn out the tumour plus margin. I have had the procedure twice. First time unsuccessful, second time both sites have so far remained clear (procedure was last February). It caused a lot of bruising and abdominal discomfort, took a couple of weeks to recover each time. Overnight hospital stay but that was because the procedure was on the liver.

[AuntyJane in reply to Coddfish]

Thanks for sharing. I am glad your second procedure worked and wish you well.

[Oberammergaux2]

Hi….I have had liver mets and now possibly one lung met. Over the years, I have had the liver mets successfully treated with a total of 19 Gamma Knife Radiation treatments. Less invasive than the ablation but both would be much easier than chemo. Hope that helps a little. Best wishes!

[AuntyJane in reply to Oberammergaux2]

Thanks for your reply and I’ll ask if radiation could be an option.

[TammyCross]

I couldn't have biopsy of lung tumors because of their deep and hard to reach location. Wouldn't that also apply to RFA? Both the biopsy and ablation require inserting a needle into the tumor.

[AuntyJane in reply to TammyCross]

Your situation with hard to reach lung tumor sounds similar to mine. I had 3 biopsies but they couldn’t get enough tissue to test. RFA might be slightly different scenario but I will ask and do more research. Thank you and good luck.

[TammyCross in reply to AuntyJane]

Let us know! I have one old-timey doctor (86, has trouble with computer) who said, when I first got a couple of little nodules around my lung, that in the old days (a decade or two ago?), they would have zapped them with radiation. My oncologist doesn't do that, even back when I had one tiny tumor. Her reasoning is that it is metastatic, so no point in treating individual lesions. Only something that goes everywhere is worth using.