Comparison of laser ablation using multidirectional and forward-firing fibers in breast cancer

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of laser ablation using the forward-firing fiber and the multidirectional-firing fiber for breast cancer treatment with pathologic results.

Material and methods: An ex vivo study of laser ablation was conducted using normal breast and breast cancer tissue. Each ablated area was demarcated into three zones, and the temperature was measured. Laser ablations using multidirectional and forward-firing types of fiber were compared regarding the shape, diameter and aspect ratio of the ablated lesions.

Results: The ablated lesions were classified into three zones: a carbonized zone with complete tissue loss; a coagulated zone with no viable cells; and a non-damaged zone. The shape of the ablated lesion was elliptical using the forward-firing fiber and round using the multidirectional-firing fiber. Compared with normal breast tissue, breast cancer tissue required a more powerful setting for laser ablation to achieve necrosis, and the aspect ratio of the thermal lesion was higher for laser ablation using the multidirectional-firing fiber.

Conclusions: The experimental results on breast tissue have shown that multidirectional-firing fiber is more effective than using forward-firing fibers and that this may prove to be another feasible therapeutic option for management of breast cancer.