RFA vs SBRT

[eleven11]

what is the difference between the two and why does MSKCC prefer RFA for lung mets? My mom's team always talks about SBRT.

[Mastan]

what is the difference between the two and why does MSKCC prefer RFA for lung mets? My mom's team always talks about SBRT.

Preference is probably dependent on individual circumstances. RFA is invasive whereas SBRT is not.

[BrownBagger]

Preference is probably dependent on individual circumstances. RFA is invasive whereas SBRT is not.

I'm pretty sure this is true. They do both at MSKCC, I believe.

RFA may be invasive, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's more collateral damage. I had RFA with no residual diminution in lung capacity or function, but I've heard that SBRT can cause significant collateral damage. Again, probably depending on the individual situation, location of the tumors, etc.

I'm inclined to go with whatever my onc recommends. She knows a lot more about it than I do.

[Mastan]

Preference is probably dependent on individual circumstances. RFA is invasive whereas SBRT is not.

I'm pretty sure this is true. They do both at MSKCC, I believe.

RFA may be invasive, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's more collateral damage. I had RFA with no residual diminution in lung capacity or function, but I've heard that SBRT can cause significant collateral damage. Again, probably depending on the individual situation, location of the tumors, etc.

I'm inclined to go with whatever my onc recommends. She knows a lot more about it than I do.

I am inclined to believe that RFA creates less collateral damage than SBRT. I had SBRT and had noticable loss of lung function from just 4 spots that were treated with SBRT. I view SBRT as a last resort based upon my experience.

[Moon]

RFA - radiofrequenzablation. That means tissue will be destroyed from heat.

SBRT - stereotactic body radiation therapy. It is a kind of radiation.

[Rob in PA]

Simply put, in terms of order of preference...
1. Surgery
2. RFA
3. SBRT

Of course, there are other treatments, but i show this just to give you an idea of where SBRT sits. I had SBRT done three different times because i could not qualify for RFA or surgery. Once i got to the point where surgery was an option, I jumped on the chance and had VATS done on lung.

Best,
Rob

[KWT]

Simply put, in terms of order of preference...
1. Surgery
2. RFA
3. SBRT

Of course, there are other treatments, but i show this just to give you an idea of where SBRT sits. I had SBRT done three different times because i could not qualify for RFA or surgery. Once i got to the point where surgery was an option, I jumped on the chance and had VATS done on lung.

Best,
Rob

Rob, why did you never qualify for RFA?

[Rob in PA]

Simply put, in terms of order of preference...
1. Surgery
2. RFA
3. SBRT

Of course, there are other treatments, but i show this just to give you an idea of where SBRT sits. I had SBRT done three different times because i could not qualify for RFA or surgery. Once i got to the point where surgery was an option, I jumped on the chance and had VATS done on lung.

Best,
Rob

Rob, why did you never qualify for RFA?

If i recall, one of the tumors was too close to the heart.

[hart2hart]

I would ask questions ----- why not RFA?

Pete just had successful RFA this past Wednesday and is back to work full time today!

Really pretty easy.....and the Docs at MSK were simply fantastic! Just saying.........





Julie H
Stamford, CT

[vancouver eve]

I chose SBRT three times. I did not request RFA. I have not had any known side effects to this date. I believe whatever works for you, should be your choice. My Onc. always allows me to have my input.

[janderson]

The preference at MSKCC might have to do with cost and your insurance coverage. My insurance wouldn't cover SBRT. I fought it all the way to the state health department and still lost but they approved ablation almost immediately without any resistance. There is a huge cost difference, RFA being tens of thousands of dollars cheaper.

[Mastan]

I would ask questions ----- why not RFA?

Pete just had successful RFA this past Wednesday and is back to work full time today!

Really pretty easy.....and the Docs at MSK were simply fantastic! Just saying.........

How many spots did he have treated? The number and location will play a role in the choice of treatment

[KWT]

I'm going to see the IR today to get some info. I,have a suspicious spot that's on the edge of where I was radiated. The rad onc says scar or met not sure. Hopefully they can work near radiated tissue.