WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-EP.09.15 CT-Guided Microwave Ablation as an Alternative Treatment for Non-Surgical Lung Cancer Patients: A Clinical Evaluation of Benefits and Risks

EP.09.15 CT-Guided Microwave Ablation as an Alternative Treatment for Non-Surgical Lung Cancer Patients: A Clinical Evaluation of Benefits and Risks

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This prospective cohort study evaluated the clinical benefits and risks of CT-guided microwave ablation (MWA) as an alternative treatment for lung cancer patients who are ineligible for surgery. Conducted between October 2020 and September 2023 at National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, the study involved 23 patients with early-stage (I-II) lung cancer or postoperative local recurrence unsuitable for resection. MWA was performed using a Medtronic Emprint device.<br /><br />Patients had a median age of 69.5 years, with approximately 44% male. Tumors averaged 19.2 mm in size, involving mainly squamous cell carcinoma or recurrent disease (69.6%). Key complications observed were pneumothorax (48%), pneumonia (44%), chest pain (30%), and hemoptysis (9%). Severe adverse events occurred in 35% of cases. Factors such as male gender, right upper lobe tumor location, larger tumor size, and higher energy applied during ablation correlated with increased complications. Notably, tumor sizes over 15 mm were significantly associated with higher recurrence rates, which occurred in 56.5% of patients.<br /><br />Median disease-free survival was 18.4 months, and mortality stood at 13%, mainly due to severe complications or disease progression. Statistical analysis (univariate and multivariable logistic regression) highlighted that early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, along with total energy delivered during ablation, were significant predictors of severe complications.<br /><br />The study concludes that CT-guided MWA is a viable loco-regional therapy for non-surgical lung cancer patients, offering promising survival outcomes. However, careful patient selection—considering tumor size and individual risk factors—is essential to minimize postoperative complications and optimize treatment efficacy. MWA presents an important option in managing lung cancers where traditional surgery is not feasible, balancing survival benefit against risk of adverse events.

Asset Subtitle

Chung-Yu Chen

Meta Tag

Speaker Chung-Yu Chen

Topic Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer – Local Therapies

Keywords

CT-guided microwave ablation

lung cancer

non-surgical treatment

early-stage lung cancer

postoperative local recurrence

Medtronic Emprint device

pneumothorax

tumor size

disease-free survival

treatment complications