What is the RFA Coil Device?
The RFA Coil Device is a novel radio frequency thermal therapy device designed to improve local control of large solid tumours. This technology may provide, for the first time, a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with large tumors.
How is treatment delivered?
The treatment procedure involves the minimally invasive percutaneous insertion of the coil electrode through a single delivery needle into the patient’s tumour under image guidance. The electrode is then supplied with radio frequency energy using a single timed heat cycle. Once the cycle is completed, imaging confirms the proper delivery of the treatment and then the probe is removed. As a benefit, this treatment can potentially be administered as an out-patient procedure, requiring only a brief hospital visit.
How is the RFA Coil Device different?
Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is an established treatment modality, although its use is limited to treating tumors less than 3 cm in size. The RFA Coil Device uses higher frequencies to promote magnetic induction of heat, instead of traditional low-frequency RFA devices that rely primarily on thermal conduction. The result is the ability to deposit RF energy directly into the tissue to thermally ablate large tumours with uniform and complete cell kill, along with significantly shorter treatment times (< 10 minutes).
The safety and efficacy of the device were evaluated in a pilot clinical trial with both liver and kidney cancer patients. Pre-clinical work has been done in both spine and breast tumour applications, with plans to move to a pilot trial in breast cancer in late 2019.