Radiofrequency and ethanol ablation for the treatment of recurrent thyroid cancers: current status and challenges

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the role and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation for the treatment of recurrent thyroid cancers in patients at high risk of surgery. RECENT FINDINGS RFA and ethanol ablation are currently used as local tumor control methods for the treatment of recurrent thyroid cancers. The therapeutic success rates of RFA and ethanol ablation have been reported to be 75-91.6 and 70.8-98%, respectively. Local tumor recurrence has been reported to be 0-25% following RFA and 3.2-33% following ethanol ablation. Various complications have also been reported, such as discomfort, pain, skin burning, and changes in voice, but not life-threatening complications. All patients with changes in their voice received treatment to the central neck area, and permanent injury has been reported in patients who received RFA. SUMMARY RFA and ethanol ablation could be considered as nonsurgical treatment options for recurrent thyroid cancers in patients at high risk of surgery. Efficacy seems to be higher for RFA, but complications seem to be lower for ethanol ablation.