Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of pancreatic tumors: Current status and future perspectives

Table 1 Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation with other local ablation techniques

Technique	Mechanism of action	Advantages	Disadvantages (complications)
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation	Thermal ablation via high-frequency current	Minimally invasive, precise targeting, low morbidity	Risk of pancreatitis, limited penetration depth
Microwave ablation	Electromagnetic energy creates heat	Faster ablation, deeper penetration	Less precise targeting, potential for heat sink effect
Cryoablation	Freezing-induced necrosis	Lower pain, preservation of tissue integrity	Requires multiple sessions, risk of adjacent organ injury
Irreversible electroporation	Non-thermal, disrupts cell membranes	No heat sink effect, preserves vascular structures	Expensive, limited availability

Table 2 Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for pancreatic tumors

Tumor type	Technical success (%)	Complete ablation (%)	Symptom relief (%)	Major complication rate (%)
Neuroendocrine tumors	98	87	95	5
Pancreatic cystic lesions	95	70	60	7
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma	90	30	50	10
Metastases	85	50	65	8