Thermal Ablation for Metastatic Cancer Involving the Lungs

If cancer spreads (metastasizes) to the lungs from another part of the body, surgery may not be a treatment option, and radiation therapy can sometimes carry long-term risks to respiratory function. In carefully selected cases of pulmonary metastasis, thermal ablation may be an alternative, targeting the tumor directly while preserving healthy lung tissue and avoiding the side effects associated with traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that uses extreme heat or cold to destroy cancerous tissue. By applying focused energy directly to the tumor, it can destroy cancer cells without the need for major surgery.

Top 1% of Cancer Hospitals

Listed among U.S. News & World Report's Best Cancer Hospitals as one of the top-ranked high-performing cancer hospitals in the nation.

Schedule an Appointment

How is thermal ablation used to treat metastatic cancer to the lungs?

In many cases, targeted therapy is necessary to address pulmonary metastasis. Thermal ablation allows the physician to precisely target metastatic tumors within the lungs while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissues. The procedure is typically performed using real-time imaging guidance, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, for heightened accuracy. Thermal ablation may be used on its own or in combination with other therapies, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Thermal ablation for pulmonary metastasis may involve radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation or cryoablation, depending on the method best suited to the patient’s condition.

Radiofrequency ablation for metastatic cancer to the lungs

RFA uses electrical energy delivered through a thin, needle-like probe to heat and destroy cancer cells. With the guidance of CT imaging, the physician will carefully insert the probe directly into the lung tumor. Once in place, the probe will generate high-frequency energy, causing the tumor tissue to heat up and break down.

Radiofrequency ablation may be considered for a patient who is not a candidate for traditional surgery, especially if the pulmonary metastasis is relatively small. Because RFA is minimally invasive, it typically results in a shorter recovery time and fewer complications than open surgery.

Microwave ablation for metastatic cancer to the lungs

Microwave ablation works similarly to RFA but uses microwave energy instead of radiofrequency waves to generate heat. This technique can reach higher temperatures more quickly, making it especially effective for large lung tumors and those located in areas that are difficult to treat with other methods.

Microwave ablation offers several advantages, such as faster treatment and the ability to treat multiple tumors during the same procedure. It is often considered when precision and speed are critical for controlling pulmonary metastasis.

Cryotherapy for metastatic cancer to the lungs

Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation, takes the opposite approach to thermal ablation by using extreme cold instead of heat to destroy cancer cells. After the physician carefully positions the cryoprobe inside the tumor under CT guidance, the probe will release extremely cold gas that freezes the tissue. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles will cause the cancer cells to rupture and die.

Because the freezing process is highly controlled, cryotherapy can minimize harm to surrounding healthy tissues, making the treatment particularly beneficial for a tumor located near sensitive structures. It can also provide pain relief for some patients while effectively targeting the cancer.

What are the potential benefits of thermal ablation for metastatic cancer to the lungs?

Thermal ablation can offer several benefits for a patient with pulmonary metastasis, including:

• Minimally invasive treatment – Thermal ablation is performed using a thin probe inserted through the skin. There are no large surgical incisions, which reduces trauma to the body and lowers the risk of complications, such as infection and excessive bleeding.
• Access to hard-to-reach tumors – Some pulmonary metastases are located in areas that make surgical removal challenging. Thermal ablation allows the physician to precisely target and destroy tumors in difficult-to-access regions without the need for open surgery.
• Faster recovery and reduced downtime – Compared to traditional surgery, thermal ablation typically involves a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. Most patients can return to their daily activities more quickly, making it an appealing option for those who want to maintain their quality of life during treatment.
• Symptom relief – Pulmonary metastasis can cause troubling symptoms, including persistent coughing, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. By shrinking the tumor or destroying it completely, thermal ablation can help relieve these symptoms and improve the patient’s overall comfort.
• Repeatable treatment option – If new metastatic tumors develop in the lungs, thermal ablation may be performed again. Its repeatability may provide ongoing options for controlling the metastasis over time, especially for a patient whose cancer may recur or progress.
• Combination with other therapies – Thermal ablation can be used alongside surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan. This flexibility allows the physician to tailor therapy to the patient’s unique needs and cancer progression.

Who is a good candidate for thermal ablation for metastatic lung cancer treatment?

Thermal ablation is not suitable for every patient. Before recommending this treatment, the physician will carefully consider several factors, including the number, size and location of the lung tumors, as well as the patient’s overall health and cancer stage.

The patient may be a candidate for thermal ablation if they have:

• A limited number of lung tumors that are not located near critical structures, such as major blood vessels or airways
• Good overall health that allows them to safely undergo a minimally invasive procedure
• Cancer that has not spread extensively throughout the body or to other vital organs

Because every case is unique, a multispecialty team—which may include oncologists, pulmonologists, interventional radiologists and thoracic surgeons—will carefully review the patient’s condition to determine whether thermal ablation is an appropriate treatment option.

How to prepare for thermal ablation for metastatic lung cancer treatment

Before undergoing thermal ablation, the patient will receive a thorough medical evaluation, which may include:

• Blood tests to check overall health and help ensure safe healing
• Imaging studies, such as CT scans, to help plan the procedure
• Pulmonary function tests to measure breathing capacity and lung performance

The physician will also review the patient’s current medications and advise whether any, such as blood thinners, will need to be adjusted or paused temporarily. The patient will likely be advised not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure to reduce the risks associated with sedation.

The healthcare team will provide the patient with detailed, personalized instructions to help ensure they are fully prepared and comfortable going into treatment.

What to expect after thermal ablation for metastatic lung cancer treatment

Thermal ablation is usually performed in an interventional radiology suite. Most patients can return home the same day or within 24 hours. Mild discomfort, coughing and fatigue are common in the days after treatment. Follow-up imaging studies will be scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure and check for any new or recurring tumors. Many patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days.

What are the risks and potential complications of thermal ablation for metastatic lung cancer treatment?

Thermal ablation offers many advantages, but like any medical procedure, it carries certain risks, such as:

• Local side effects – The patient may experience temporary pain and swelling in the chest. Any discomfort is usually manageable with medication and often resolves within a short time.
• Lung complications – Because thermal ablation requires placing a probe into the lung, there is a risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung). This occurs when air leaks into the space around the lung, causing it to partially or fully collapse. In most cases, pneumothorax is treatable, often with the placement of a chest tube if needed, but it may lengthen the recovery period.
• Incomplete tumor destruction – In some cases, especially those involving a large or irregularly shaped tumor, thermal ablation may not destroy all cancer cells. Follow-up imaging will be essential to ensure the tumor was fully treated and determine if additional procedures are needed.
• Limited suitability – Thermal ablation is not appropriate for every patient. For example, an individual with widespread metastatic cancer, severe lung disease or a tumor located near a major airway or blood vessel may not be an ideal candidate.
• General health risks – As with any medical procedure, thermal ablation carries some general risks, including those related to anesthesia or sedation, as well as the possibility of infection or bleeding. The physician will carefully weigh these risks against the potential benefits before recommending the treatment.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt offers the latest treatment options for metastatic cancer to the lungs, including thermal ablation delivered by a team of experts specializing in lung cancer. Our multispecialty approach ensures that every patient receives an individualized treatment plan designed to help them achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.

If you would like to learn more about thermal ablation for metastatic cancer to the lungs, you are welcome to talk with a specialist in the Thoracic Oncology Program at Moffitt. To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.