DFine's radiofrequency ablation system gets FDA nod
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
A new percutaneous radiofrequency ablation system developed by DFine has received 510(k) approval from the US FDA. The product is intended for the palliative treatment of cancer patients with spinal metastases. These lesions affect over 400,000 patients per year worldwide, causing severe pain and discomfort. Current treatments include narcotics and external beam radiation, which can take "weeks or months" to work, according to DFine. Patients may also need to stop receiving chemotherapy for their primary cancer because of cumulative toxicity. Targeted radiofrequency ablation can provide immediate pain relief, improving patients' quality of life, the San Jose, California-based firm says. The technique is also used to treat liver, lung and kidney cancers, using heat produced by radio waves to destroy cancer cells.