A Review on Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation (EUS-RFA) of Pancreatic Lesions

Abstract

The morbidity associated with pancreatectomies limits surgical options for high-risk patients with pancreatic neoplasms that warrant resection. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) offers a minimally invasive and potentially definitive means to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and precancerous pancreatic cystic lesions. In addition, EUS-RFA may play a role in the treatment and palliation of non-surgical cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The efficacy of RFA appears to be further enhanced by systemic immunomodulatory effects. Here, we review current studies on the developing role of EUS-RFA in these pancreatic pathologies.

Keywords

• pancreatic cystic lesion (PCL)
• pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
• pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET)
• endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA)
• intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)