• Dr. Jason R. Williams

American Cancer Ablation (ACAC) is a pioneer in the field of image guided ablation. Having performed more than a large number of ablation procedures, we continue to bring hope, options and solutions where, previously, there were none.

At ACAC we specialize in minimally invasive Thermal Ablation procedures.

Thermal Ablation is the destruction of cancer by extreme heat or freezing. The most common technique uses radio waves (microwaves) to generate heat. This technique is called radiofrequency ablation (RFA). A more powerful form of RFA is Microwave Ablation, And, the destruction of cancer by freezing is known as cryoablation.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a hollow needle is placed directly into the tumor. The physician guides the placement of this needle using image guidance, such as Computed Tomography or Ultrasound. Once the needle is properly placed, metal tines are deployed from the hollow core of the needle. These tines penetrate and envelope the tumor.

When the tines are in place, radio waves are transmitted to the needle tip and though the tines. These radiowaves generate heat which "cooks" the tumor. This technique can be used to treat lung, liver, bone, kidney, adrenal and breast cancers, including patients with metastatic disease. RFA is especially appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate surgery.

Radiofrequency ablation is not the same as radiation therapy. Radiofrequency ablation uses low-frequency radio waves, which generate localized heat, not the destructive radiation given off by radioactive elements.

Radiofrequency ablation can be used to target some large tumors by repositioning the needle. Because of its versatility, RFA has become a treatment option for a growing number of cancer patients.

Microwave Ablation is a powerful new technique for ablation. Presently, there are only a few facilities offering this procedure. The technique is similar to RFA. The difference is that microwave energy is very powerful. This can help increase the speed and size of the ablation.

Cryoablation involves the placement of a needle into the tumor. Compressed gases circulate through the needle tip. The effect of these compressed gases causes the needle tip and surrounding tissue to freeze and die. This technique is used mostly on bone and kidney cancers.

The key to any ablation procedure is needle placement within the tumor. This is where experience plays a key role. At ACAC we have performed more ablation procedures than any other facility in the world.

___________

About Jason R. Williams, MD

Dr. Williams founded the American Cancer Ablation Center (ACAC) in August 2004. It was the first center to specialize in the minimally invasive treatment of cancer. The main focus of ACAC is thermal ablation. Dr. Williams performs thermal ablation for the treatment of lung, liver, adrenal, kidney, bone and certain breast cancers

Dr. Williams has pioneered several RFA techniques, particularly PET/CT mapping to guide ablation needle placement. This technique has allowed Dr. Williams to treat larger tumors by determining which areas of viable tumor remain. He was the first doctor to perform RFA using Electron Beam Computed Tomography guidance.

Dr. Williams also is involved in research related to the development of needles and other devices for radiofrequency, cryo, microwave and laser ablation. Dr. Williams has special interest in research involving imaged guided delivery of gene and immune therapies. He is currently involved in research utilizing the ablation technique to generate a systemic anti-tumor immune response. Dr. Williams speaks at many national and international conferences.

Dr. Williams attended medical School at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, followed by an Internship in Internal Medicine from University of South Alabama and a residency in Radiology from University of South Alabama. He is Board Certified by the American Board Of Radiology.

Currently Dr. Williams serves as director, of Radiology for Northwest Regional Medical Center at Clarksdale, MS., Chief Of Radiologist for Precision Imaging In Gulf Shores, AL, and maintains his thermal ablation practice at Gulf Shores, AL.

back to top

To see if you might be a candidate for one of these cutting edge procedures, call our office at (251) 948-3420.

back to top