The application of magnetic resonance imaging-guided microwave ablation for lung cancer

Context: It is necessary to explore a minimally invasive, effective, and efficient treatment for those lung cancer patients who are poor candidates for surgery. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the application of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of lung cancer. Settings and Design: A total of 43 patients with 44 pulmonary lesions were examined following identical procedures before being randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group consists of 17 patients with a total of 18 pulmonary lesions, while the control group consists of 26 patients with a total of 26 pulmonary lesions. Materials and Methods: The experimental group was treated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided MWA while the control group was treated using computer tomography (CT)-guided MWA. A transverse relaxation time-turbo spin echo (T2-TSE) sequence was used for signal collection in the experimental group to determine puncture location and microwave needle position while T2-TSE, T1-turbo field echo, and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) sequences were used for timely efficacy evaluation. Whereas in the control group, CT axial scanning was performed to serve similar purposes. Statistical Analysis Used: A nonparametric Wilcoxon test, median (M [25%, 75%]). Results: All of the 44 lesions were successfully located on the first attempt. The mean time for scanning and locating lung lesions under MRI and CT guidance were 64.53 and 42.96 min, the mean times of positioning were 12 and 18 min, and the mean durations of MWA were 12.48 and 15.06 min, respectively. Conclusions: As a minimally invasive method for treating lung tumors, MRI-guided MWA requires fewer localization scans, a shorter MWA duration, no radiation, real-time observation of the curative effect, and it prevents overtreatment.