Clinical researchers from ibs.GRANADA propose an Innovative Radiofrequency Technique for Benign Parathyroid Tumors

Clinical researchers from group A15: “Basic and Clinical Oncology” of the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), belonging to the Radiodiagnosis Service of Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, in collaboration with the Endocrinology Service of the same center, have studied the effectiveness of a cutting-edge proposal for the treatment of benign tumors of the parathyroid glands, marking a milestone in the field of minimally invasive medicine. This revolutionary approach is based on the use of radiofrequency, a consolidated technique in Interventional Radiology, which allows procedures to be performed through images with minimal invasion.

Historically, surgical removal of the parathyroid gland has been the most effective solution for treating parathyroid adenoma, a condition responsible for hyperparathyroidism. However, this intervention is not without risks, including complications such as infections, postoperative hemorrhages, injuries to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, hypocalcemia, and permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Faced with these challenges, and considering those patients who are not suitable for surgery or who choose not to undergo it, this team of Granada scientists has explored alternatives. The proposed solution is radiofrequency ablation, a non-invasive and outpatient procedure, the effectiveness of which is currently being evaluated.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder, with a higher incidence in women between 50 and 60 years of age (ratio of 3-4:1 compared to men). This disease is characterized by excessive production of parathyroid hormone, resulting in hypercalcemia, bone problems and kidney stones. The most common causes are solitary parathyroid adenoma, followed by glandular hyperplasia and, to a lesser extent, parathyroid cancer.

This team of Granada scientists from ibs.GRANADA and the Radiodiagnosis Service of Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio performed radiofrequency ablation on 33 patients, of which 22 were women. The results are promising: after two years of follow-up, a complete response (normalization of calcium and hormone levels) was observed in approximately 48% of cases, a partial response (hormonal reduction with normal serum calcium levels) in the 38% of the patients, and only 14% continued with hyperparathyroidism.

The radiofrequency ablation technique stands out not only for its effectiveness, but also for its safety, presenting itself as an excellent alternative to traditional surgery for the treatment of parathyroid adenomas. This advance represents a significant step in the treatment of this condition, offering new hope and options for affected patients.

About the group

The A-15 Basic and Clinical Oncology group of ibs.GRANADA is a multidisciplinary group made up of clinical doctors, physiotherapists, biologists, chemists and environmentalists who join their efforts in the study of the environmental causes of common diseases and in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor diseases. Participation in the CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, (Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Area), the Childhood and Environment Network (INMA), and the European network for Biomonitoring of Environmental Exposure (HBM4EU/PARC), guide the objectives of the cluster.

More information about the group https://www.ibsgranada.es/grupos-de-investigacion/a15-oncologia-basica-y-clinica/

Bibliographic reference:

León Utrero S, Garrido-Pareja F, López-Ibarra P, Quesada-Charneco M, López-Mezquita E, Ávila-Rubio V, Martín-Rodríguez JL. Effectiveness and safety of the radiofrequency ablation of single hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions suggestive of adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism. J Endocrinol Invest. 2023;46(11):2269-2273. doi:10.1007/s40618-023-02078-4. PMID: 37032399.