Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy is a new form of treatment. It is a procedure performed with computerized tomography.

Currently, RFA is not a first-line treatment for primary or secondary lung tumors. RFA should be considered if it is decided that not all treatment methods are appropriate. Patients who are unsuitable for surgery and have pain may be nominated for RFA. RFA can be used during surgical resection, segmentectomy, or lobectomy.

The purpose of ablation is to provide cure or cytoreductive palliation. Because SCLC is a systemic disease, they are not candidates for RFA, but may be used in rare cases.