Precision Pain Relief

Article by Ann E. Butenas

Discover a minimally invasive solution for metastatic bone tumors with OptaBlate™.

If you or a loved one is facing the challenging reality of cancer that has spread to the bones, you may have heard about OptaBlate™. This FDA-approved bone tumor ablation system is not a cure or a treatment for cancer, but it is designed to help alleviate some of the pain associated with bone metastases. We consulted with leading board-certified physiatrist,
C. Lan Fotopoulos, MD of Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance for more information on this potential pain reliever for those dealing with this type of cancer.

Q: What is OptaBlate™ and how does it provide relief for bone tumors that have metastasized?

A: If you or a loved one is facing the challenging reality of cancer that has spread to the bones, you may have heard about OptaBlate™. This FDA-approved bone tumor ablation system is not a cure or a treatment for cancer, but it is designed to help alleviate some of the pain associated with bone metastases.

OptaBlate™ is particularly useful for patients experiencing severe back pain due to bone tumors. According to leading board-certified physiatrist, Dr. C. Lan Fotopoulos of Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance City, this procedure is used as an adjunct to other treatments and is typically done under twilight anesthesia in about 20 minutes. It is not a curative procedure, but it can help alleviate some of the pain the patient is experiencing.

“With the tumor in the bone, it can be very painful to the patient, as the lesion inside causes pressure and back pain,” explained Dr. Fotopoulos. “This procedure cauterizes the tumor using two heated electrodes and then we fill in that cauterized space afterwards with cement. It essentially vaporizes the tumor.”

The technology behind OptaBlate™ is not entirely new – it is like vertebroplasty, a procedure that involves injecting cement into fractured vertebrae to provide stability and relieve pain. However, OptaBlate™ uses radiofrequency energy to destroy cancerous cells in the bone tumor, providing relief for patients suffering from metastatic bone cancer.

Dr. Fotopoulos is one of the few physicians in the Kansas City area offering OptaBlate™ at this time, as it was just approved by the FDA earlier this year. This innovative procedure offers a minimally invasive option for patients dealing with bone metastases, with the potential for reduced pain and improved quality of life.
While OptaBlate™ is not a cure or treatment for cancer and is more of a palliative approach, it can be an

important tool in managing symptoms and improving comfort for patients with bone tumors. By targeting cancerous cells in the bone with precision and minimal invasiveness, OptaBlate™ offers a promising option for those facing the challenges of metastatic bone cancer.

If you or a loved one is dealing with the pain and discomfort of bone metastases, you may want to consider discussing the potential benefits of OptaBlate™ with your healthcare provider. This innovative procedure, approved by the FDA for use in the United States, offers a new approach to addressing the symptoms of metastatic bone cancer and improving quality of life for patients facing this challenging diagnosis.

For more information on the information in this article or to contact C. Lan Fotopoulos,

please call 913-319-7678 ext. 3109

or visit KCORTHOALLIANCE.com