This systematic review evaluated radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer as well as adrenocortical adenomas and adrenal metastases. A systematic literature search in various databases was supplemented by a handsearch.
Three case series were identified of RFA for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules and one case series of RFA for the treatment of thyroid cancer. The studies indicate that RFA is efficient and safe.
For the RFA-treatment of adrenal tumours, two case series, one of which was concerned with the treatment of benign aldosteron-producing adrenocortical adenomas and the other with the treatment of adrenal metastases, were identified. The reported efficacy outcomes in the included case series were limited to the recurrence rate associated with RFA of adrenal metastases. The low complication rate indicates that RFA for the treatment of adrenal tumours is safe.
Due to the uncontrolled study design of the included case series, the available evidence is insufficient to assess the efficacy and safety of RFA compared to the respective standard therapy for the treatment of benign and malignant lesions of endocrine organs.