Radiofrequency ablation as salvage therapy for unresectable locally recurrent rectal cancer

Despite total mesorectal resection, often with accompanying chemoradiation therapy, local recurrence continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in cases of rectal cancer. Recurrent rectal cancers are often inoperable as a result of pelvic sidewall and sacral invasion. The authors describe the use of radiofrequency (RF) ablation to manage an unresectable multiply recurrent rectal cancer in which complete ablation with durable long-term control was achieved despite the large size of the tumor. RF ablation is a viable option for patients who are poor surgical candidates or whose disease is not amenable to conventional surgical approaches.