HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Caryn next step

eric · 09-22-2008, 04:24 AM

Caryn has a single 7cm tumor on her liver. Since she's been ejected from 2 trials recently her Onc has finally agreed to have an RFA (radio frequency ablation) done to remove this stubborn spot. The spot is larger than the 5cm max preferred for an RFA and one end is resting on the portal vein. This is important since the RFA generates heat to kill the cancer cells and the portal vein will attract the heat and therefore limit the impact on the cancer cells. As a result, prior to the RFA, they are planning to surgically drop radioactive seeds in the tumor section by the vein. This should eliminate the section by the vein and hopefully shrink the tumor to the preferred size. Apparently, this "seed" step is used often for primary liver cancer but is new for bc liver mets. I'm not sure if it's considered a trial but I'm happy to have it as an option.

Eric

09-22-2008, 04:24 AM	#1
eric Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 589	Caryn next step - might be option for others Caryn has a single 7cm tumor on her liver. Since she's been ejected from 2 trials recently her Onc has finally agreed to have an RFA (radio frequency ablation) done to remove this stubborn spot. The spot is larger than the 5cm max preferred for an RFA and one end is resting on the portal vein. This is important since the RFA generates heat to kill the cancer cells and the portal vein will attract the heat and therefore limit the impact on the cancer cells. As a result, prior to the RFA, they are planning to surgically drop radioactive seeds in the tumor section by the vein. This should eliminate the section by the vein and hopefully shrink the tumor to the preferred size. Apparently, this "seed" step is used often for primary liver cancer but is new for bc liver mets. I'm not sure if it's considered a trial but I'm happy to have it as an option. Eric