Ron Robinson, MD, performs radiofrequency ablation procedures for cancer patients at ARMC

An innovative therapy that can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients is now available at Aiken Regional Medical Centers' (ARMC) Radiology Department. ARMC is the only facility in the area that performs minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures in certain patients who have liver, kidney, lung or bone cancer.

RFA doesn't replace chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but is an additional tool that can augment these traditional treatments.

"While this procedure doesn't cure cancer, it can help prolong the lives of some cancer patients," said Ron Robinson, MD, a diagnostic and interventional radiologist at ARMC. "It also helps improve the quality of their lives by minimizing the pain and discomfort that patients with these types of cancers often experience."

During RFA procedures, doctors use ultrasound or computed tomography scanning to visualize tumors and special needles that contain electrodes. They insert the needle through the skin and into the tumor and deploy the electrodes to surround the tumor. Then they deliver electrical energy through the electrodes to heat and destroy the tumor.

"The needles come in different sizes so we can tailor treatment to each patient," Dr. Robinson said. "When patients have small, 3- to 4-centimeter tumors, one cycle of RFA may be enough. For larger tumors, we can treat part of the tumor then reposition the needle and treat another portion of the tumor. We often can repeat the procedure if new tumors appear."

Patients are sedated and have local anesthesia during the procedure. They typically spend one night in the hospital for observation and generally tolerate the procedure very well.

"We have a strong, comprehensive oncology program," said Lisa Pagani, RT, Director of Imaging Services at ARMC. "We added RFA services because we felt it was very important to offer a complete continuum of cancer therapies to patients in our community."

"Battling cancer can be very stressful," Dr. Robinson said. "Patients tend to feel much more comfortable when they can get the treatments they need close to home where they have the support of their family and friends."

Comprehensive and Compassionate Cancer Treatment
At the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina, a multidisciplinary group of specialists uses technology to provide patients with advanced options for treating cancer. Patients also receive private, personalized care in one convenient location. To learn more about how specialists are helping patients cope with cancer, please call 803-641-7850.

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