RODEO MRI guided laser ablation of breast cancer

This study explores the feasibility of image directed laser ablation of breast tumors as an alternative to traditional surgery. A series of 22 treatments were performed in 12 patients. The cancers were targeted with pre- and post- gadolinium enhanced RODEO breast MRI. 18 g MRI compatible needles were stereotaxically placed with RODEO breast MRI guidance. Laser ablation was implemented with a diode laser (805 nm) at 3 watts of power for about 500 seconds. The treatment was performed interactively with dynamic RODEO MRI control. The treatment zone was manifested as a hypointense zone on the dynamic images. The needle or treatment duration can be adjusted during the course of the ablation depending upon the location of the tumor and hypointense zone. In all cases correlation with conventional surgical excision with serial sectioning of the specimen was performed. PCNA stains of the treatment zone was used to confirm effective ablation and correlate the treatment zone size with the hypointense zone demonstrated on MRI. This study demonstrates the potential for RODEO breast MRI as an effective method for coordinating the interactive deliver of laser ablation in the treatment of breast cancer.