Thermal ablation by Electromagnetic Heating Needles on Small Animal Tumors- A Pilot Study

Thermal ablation has been used for local control of human neoplasm for several years. The main advantages of thermal ablation are shorter operation time, less hemorrhage than traditional surgical procedures, and most importantly, can be performed minimal invasively with little damage to adjacent tissue. Electromagnetic thermal therapy (EMT) is a new treatment system that is relatively inexpensive and does not have a limit on the total number of heating-needles used. A total of 10 patients and 11 tumors were enrolled into the study. Tumor types included 6 sarcomas, 4 epithelial tumors, and 1 round cell tumor. In terms of tumor efficacy, 8 CR (73%) and 3 PR (27%) were achieved. Complications post therapy was acceptable although dermatological and soft tissue damages were inevitable but manageable. Open wound is expected in most cases after the treatment but without hemorrhage, pain, or other complications. The wounds undergo second-intentional healing approximately 1.5 months post-treatment procedure depending on original tumor size. Ideally, with its advantages and low technique requirements, this novel therapy/device will benefit more cancer bearing animals in the future.