# Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation for Refractory Cancer-Related Leg Pain: A Case Report

**Authors:** Praveen Reddy Elmati, Tyler J Wilkinson, Alexander Bautista

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58779 · Cureus · 2024-04-22

## TL;DR

Pulsed radiofrequency ablation provided significant pain relief for a cancer patient with leg pain unresponsive to traditional treatments.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the novel use of pulsed RFA for refractory cancer-related leg pain.

## Key findings

- Pulsed RFA targeting DRG provided sustained pain relief in a patient with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma.
- The intervention improved functional status and reduced opioid use in a refractory pain case.

## Abstract

Metastatic cancers often lead to distant metastasis, accompanied by debilitating symptoms such as chronic pain, which can be refractory to conventional analgesic modalities. Pulsed radiofrequency ablation (Pulsed RFA) has emerged as a promising intervention for neuropathic pain syndromes, offering long-lasting relief with minimal tissue damage. We present a case of a 36-year-old male with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma and refractory leg pain due to femoral nerve involvement. Despite aggressive multimodal analgesia, the patient experienced persistent pain, necessitating alternative interventions. Pulsed RFA targeting the right L2-L4 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) provided significant and sustained pain relief, allowing improved functional status and reduced opioid requirements. This case underscores the potential of pulsed RFA as an effective intervention for refractory cancer-related pain, enhancing patients' comfort and quality of life. Further research is warranted to establish its long-term efficacy and safety.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** gastric adenocarcinoma (MONDO:0005036)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Leg Pain (MESH:D010146), metastasis (MESH:D009362), chronic pain (MESH:D059350), femoral nerve involvement (MESH:D020428), gastric adenocarcinoma (MESH:D013274), Cancer-Related (MESH:D009369), neuropathic pain syndromes (MESH:D009437)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11111418/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11111418