Microwave Ablation is pioneering cancer treatment

The advent of real-time, high resolution digital imaging combined with needlehole surgery such as Nanoknife and other exciting new image-guided tumour ablation therapies means that previously dangerous, or inoperable surgery is rapidly becoming a problem of the past.

Tumour ablation expert, Dr Rowland Illing says, "Our new methods allow us to see the tumour, take small samples and to destroy tumours using energy delivered down needles. The name for this form of ‘needlehole’ treatment is ‘ablation’".

Ablation for Kidney (Renal) Tumours should be considered when:

  •           The position of the tumour would otherwise mean complete kidney removal (radical nephrectomy)
  • ·         The patient is too high risk for surgery
  • ·         Solitary kidney or
  •           Poor kidney (renal) function
  • ·         Bilateral tumours
  •           Genetic predisposition to multiple tumours
  • ·         The patient would prefer a minimally invasive procedure

Tumours up to 4cm may be treated, as long as they do not lie immediately next to important structures within the middle of the kidney. The patient is given a general anaesthetic and positioned on the treatment bed. The imaging instrumentation is then guides the treatment needles within the kidney. See Image Guided Treatment of Kidney Cancer

About Tumour Ablation

  • Image-guided ablation is a highly specialised procedure that relies on both advanced imaging and energy delivery systems.
  • Ablation is generally very well tolerated, with minimal damage to surrounding health tissue.
  • It allows the targeted treatment of tumour deposits that may otherwise not be amenable to direct therapy.
  • Both primary and metastatic tumours may be targeted.
  • For metastatic tumours, ablation may allow for a greater chemotherapy-free period or be aimed at tumours that are no longer sensitive to systemic therapy.
A medication that reduces sensation. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer. Full medical glossary
The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes. Full medical glossary
One of two bean-shaped organs that are located on either side of the body, below the ribcage. The main role of the kidneys is to filter out waste products from the blood. Full medical glossary
A large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Full medical glossary
The surgical removal of a kidney. Full medical glossary
Relating to the kidney. Full medical glossary
Affecting the whole body. Full medical glossary
A group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. Full medical glossary
An abnormal swelling. Full medical glossary