Recently, in Italy there is a new technique used to without surgery (in skin) and liver tumors in the prostate to destroy the RFA treatment. Because this technique can be performed in the Netherlands, at least not the way it is in Italy, his sickness by the decision of the Court dated May 2001, if this treatment requires full compensation. The treating oncologist (hospital)   in the Netherlands should it have to be involved. There is therefore a special application form (E-111) required, to request by the institution. Incidentally, we do not know or even private insurance are eligible. A lawyer told me that this is certainly the case, but have not yet been confirmed by others.

What is RFA? (Now see very detailed information about RFA on this page) .

Radio Frequency Ablation is a technique where one ultra sound guidance in a sort of needle sticks in the tumor and then use radio waves heat (the wave principle) survival rate 37%> 10 years!

Unfortunately, this last option not yet implemented in the Netherlands, the VU is so experimental work, but through surgery and open belly "and not like in Italy" closed skin. " In the Radboud Nijmegen is done but there is experimental and through surgery.

Italy is far ahead with this treatment. Dr. Solbiati from Busto Arsizio (Milan) is the authority on this subject. He has personally been 450 treatments.
He trains people from around the world to this treatment and has published a lot about. Eg. Also this month, November 2001, a workshop and training for radiologists and oncologists who want to learn this technique. I know from other sources that Dutch radiologists / physicians to this training going. But dare not say for sure. But hopefully RFA without surgery but very soon also available in the Netherlands. Once we learn more we keep you informed.

RFA is performed in liver tumors and / or prostate cancer. The needle goes through the skin under ultrasound guidance, punctured in the middle of the tumor and the tumor as it were scorched away. In Italy, only those with tumors, metastases or primary, with a size no larger than 4 cm. eligible. In America, larger tumors (sometimes up to 8 cm. Diameter), depending on location, etc. with RFA removed. There are also limitations as the tumor is attached to a critical blood vessel or seem unable to RFA. For physicians and radiologists who are interested, we have the direct address of Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Solbiati in America. Contact us with your motivation and we can bring you in contact with said doctors / radiologists. Or we can give the names of the doctors in the VU who also failed.