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Spontaneous Regression of Multiple Pulmonary Metastases After Radiofrequency Ablation of a Single Metastasis

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Abstract

We report two cases of spontaneous regression of multiple pulmonary metastases occurring after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of a single lung metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first such cases reported. These two patients presented with lung metastases progressive despite treatment with interleukin-2, interferon, or sorafenib but were safely ablated with percutaneous RFA under computed tomography guidance. Percutaneous RFA allowed control of the targeted tumors for >1 year. Distant lung metastases presented an objective response despite the fact that they received no targeted local treatment. Local ablative techniques, such as RFA, induce the release of tumor-degradation product, which is probably responsible for an immunologic reaction that is able to produce a response in distant tumors.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Joey Marie Robinson for editing and linguistic assistance for the manuscript.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Interventional Radiology, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif Cedex, France

    Pramod Rao, Bernard Escudier & Thierry de Baere

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  1. Pramod Rao
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  2. Bernard Escudier
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  3. Thierry de Baere
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Correspondence to Thierry de Baere.

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Rao, P., Escudier, B. & de Baere, T. Spontaneous Regression of Multiple Pulmonary Metastases After Radiofrequency Ablation of a Single Metastasis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 34, 424–430 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-010-9896-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-010-9896-9

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