ITGSS Certified Technical Associate: Emerging Tech Practice Test

RFA is successful because it:

1. Sends x-rays into the tumor cells

2. Uses chemotherapy to destroy the tumor cells

3. Heats and destroys the tumor cells

4. Introduces immunotherapy to the tumor cells

The correct answer is: Heats and destroys the tumor cells

RFA, or Radiofrequency Ablation, is effective in treating tumors because it utilizes thermal energy to generate heat, which ultimately leads to the destruction of tumor cells. The process works by inserting a thin needle-like electrode into the tumor, which emits radiofrequency energy as heat. This localized heating causes the proteins within the cancer cells to denature and leads to cell death, effectively reducing the size of the tumor and controlling its growth. The other choices describe different methods of treating tumors, but they do not accurately reflect the mechanism by which RFA operates. For example, sending x-rays into tumor cells pertains to radiation therapy, while chemotherapy involves systemic medications to target rapidly dividing cells. Immunotherapy focuses on stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, which is a different approach altogether. RFA's unique use of heat provides a distinct and successful method for tumor ablation.