UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital has become the first center in South Texas to use a less-invasive treatment called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on a pancreatic cancer patient whose tumor could not be removed surgically.
RFA delivers controlled heat to tumors using high-energy radiofrequency waves through a small probe inserted via an endoscope, a flexible tube passed through the mouth. The procedure targets cancer cells directly, potentially shrinking tumors, easing symptoms, and improving survival for patients who have limited treatment options. Early research also suggests RFA may stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
The milestone highlights UT Health San Antonio’s growing role in advanced care and innovation for pancreatic, gallbladder, and bile duct diseases.
“This accomplishment exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable for our patients and our community,” said Dr. Prabhleen Chahal, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at UT Health San Antonio. “Most importantly, it offers new hope for patients with complex conditions who were previously considered untreatable.”
The procedure was performed by Dr. Rajat Garg, assistant professor of medicine and member of UT Health San Antonio’s advanced endoscopy team, in collaboration with surgical oncology, anesthesiology, medical oncology, and perioperative specialists.
The patient had serious comorbidities, including liver cirrhosis and high blood pressure in the lungs. His case was reviewed at the hospital’s weekly multidisciplinary pancreatic tumor board, where specialists evaluate complex cases and agree on a unified treatment plan. After assessing scans, medical history, and available evidence, the board concluded that surgery and standard chemotherapy posed too great a risk, making endoscopic RFA the safest option.
RFA is still under study for pancreatic cancer and is not yet a standard treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. It requires specialized equipment and trained doctors, so it is generally available only at select centers for carefully chosen patients as part of a broader treatment strategy.
Dr. Garg emphasized that the hospital’s coordinated approach made the procedure possible. “The collaboration of the endoscopy team, nurses, technicians, anesthesia staff, and hospital leadership allowed us to obtain the device, schedule the procedure, and prepare the patient, enabling successful delivery of RFA for this aggressive and otherwise difficult-to-treat disease,” he said.
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