Excision Plus RFA Explored for Early Breast Ca

Disease-free survival was 95% at 3 years, regardless of whether patients had ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive pathologies, but the lack of a difference may be due to small numbers, she noted.

Dr. Klimberg concluded that excision plus RFA “may represent a new paradigm in achieving optimal breast conservation without radiation.”

Dr. Morrow remained unconvinced: “This was a feasibility study in a highly selected group of patients, and we need longer-term follow-up, and this is certainly not something that is ready for routine clinical use, in my opinion.”

Dr. Klimberg disclosed that she owns stock and has received research support from RITA Medical Systems Inc., a maker of RFA equipment.

Dr. V. Suzanne Klimberg cited the merits of RFA plus excision in select patients. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences