Effecten van PRF

Rationale: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is widely used for pain relief. The working mechanism is still under discussion, and the hypothesis is that PRF may affect the reactivity of immune cells. Immune cells play essential roles in tumor progression and tumor growth, and these tumor activities can be indicated by tumor markers. In this study we focus on cancer patients receiving standard palliative treatment and explore the effect of transcutaneous PRF (tPRF) on their tumor marker.



Objective: To study the effect of tPRF on a specific tumor marker in patients with advanced-stage cancer.



Study design: The proposed study is a single-centered, open-label, single-arm proof of concept study.



Study population: Patients with advanced-stage colorectal, breast, prostate, or ovarian cancer no longer responding to systemic treatment in Radboud UMC, and no other standard oncological treatment can be applied anymore, receiving standard palliative care, with history of tumor marker responding to disease progression and previous oncological treatment, with aged ≥ 18 years old are asked to participate.



Intervention: Participating patients will be treated with tPRF for at least two times during their regular palliative-care related hospital visiting,



Main study parameters/endpoints: Tumor marker.



Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness:

• Burden: This study has a very low burden for the participants. Study visits (three to four times) are scheduled into patients’ regular palliative-care related hospital visits. tPRF treatment is applied two to three times; pain intensity and quality of life are assessed in each visiting; two blood samples are taken in two separate days (during the first and the last visiting). Besides these, there is no difference compared to standard palliative treatment.

• Risks: This study has a very low risk for the participants. tPRF is a non-invasive, painless treatment. It has been used as a pain-relief procedure with no known complications or side effects.

• Benefit: It is unknown if participants can benefit from the study.

• Group relatedness: Participating patients do not get any oncologic treatment anymore and their tumor markers keep on increasing. In the meantime, these patients visit Radboud UMC regularly for consultation on palliative care.

Transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency (tPRF) may affect tumor activities.

Baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks

Transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency