Opinion Statement
Percutaneous thermal ablation, including microwave ablation (MWA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and cryoablation, is a well-established focal treatment option for primary and metastatic malignancies. While published literature specific to ablation of sarcomas is relatively lacking compared with non-sarcomatous malignancies, what is available is promising. In situations where a focal treatment option is desired, strong consideration should be given to percutaneous thermal ablation, in addition to surgery and radiation therapy. A significant advantage of percutaneous thermal ablation over surgery and radiation includes the repeatability of ablation, as there is no absolute limit on the number of times an ablation can be performed. Compared with surgery, ablation offers the potential of decreased recovery time, a less invasive procedure, and is often performed in patients deemed not medically fit for surgery.
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Scott M. Thompson declares that he has no conflict of interest.
John J. Schmitz declares that he has no conflict of interest.
Grant D. Schmit declares that he has no conflict of interest.
Matthew R. Callstrom has received research support through grants from Galil Medical, Thermedical, and General Electric Medical and has received compensation from Covidien, Medtronic, Perseon, and Endocare for service as a consultant.
Anil Nicholas Kurup has received financial support through a grant from Galil Medical and compensation from UpToDate, Inc., for service as a consultant.
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Thompson, S.M., Schmitz, J.J., Schmit, G.D. et al. Image-Guided Thermal Ablative Therapies in the Treatment of Sarcoma. Curr. Treat. Options in Oncol. 18, 25 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-017-0465-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-017-0465-1