Diagnostic yield of a biopsy performed immediately after lung radiofrequency ablation

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of lung biopsies performed immediately after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: Twenty consecutive patients were treated with lung RFA. A biopsy was performed immediately after RFA, through the cannula used to insert the RFA probe to avoid hampering the RFA probe placement. Biopsies were analysed for diagnostic of malignancy and tumour morphological characteristics. Recurrence of RFA and procedure-related complications are reported. Results: Mean tumour size was 17.3 mm (±6.2 mm). Ninety per cent (18/20) of biopsies were able to help diagnose malignancy. Cancer subtype and origin were determined in 70 % (14/20) of tumours, including 12 metastases and two primary lung cancers. During a median follow-up of 24 months, one tumour demonstrated local progression (5 %). The overall survival, lung disease-free survival and progression-free survival rates at 12 months were 100 %, 75 % and 65 %, respectively. Adverse events of the procedure including RFA and biopsy were five pneumothoraces requiring chest tube placement (25 %), seven minor pneumothoraces (35 %) and one subsegmental intrapulmonary haemorrhage (5 %) not requiring any treatment. Conclusions: A biopsy performed immediately after lung RFA allowed diagnosis of malignancy in 90 % of cases. This diagnosis is obtained without the need for additional puncture and does not hamper the accuracy of the initial RF probe placement. Key Points: • Treatment and biopsy are feasible during the same procedure, avoiding multiple punctures. • The best puncture path can be preserved to treat the lung tumour. • Malignancy can be determined on a post-RFA biopsy in 90 % of cases. • Cancer classification can be assessed in 70 % of cases after lung RFA.