Thermal ablation in adrenal disorders: a discussion of the technology, the clinical evidence and the future

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarise the emerging role of thermal ablation as a therapeutic modality in the management of functioning adrenal tumours and metastases to the adrenal gland. RECENT FINDINGS: Observational evidence has demonstrated the benefit of thermal ablation in (i) resolving adrenal endocrinopathy arising from benign adenomas, (ii) treating solitary metastases to the adrenal and (iii) controlling metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma and phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma. SUMMARY: Microwave thermal ablation offers a promising, minimally invasive therapeutic modality for the management of functioning adrenocortical adenomas and adrenal metastases. Appropriate technological design, treatment planning and choice of imaging modality are necessary to overcome technical challenges associated with this emerging therapeutic approach.