Treatment of superficial lipomas using radiofrequency ablation
Official title: Radiofrequency Ablation as a Scar-free, Non-operative Approach to Treatment of Superficial Lipomas
Run by Columbia University · NCT06903208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new heat treatment called radiofrequency ablation can safely remove small fatty tumors called lipomas without causing scars for adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06903208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with superficial lipomas smaller than 5 cm located on the trunk, abdomen, or extremities.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with lipomas on the face or neck, or those with specific medical histories such as hereditary syndromes or prior radiation treatment, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat superficial lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors that can cause emotional distress due to their appearance. The study aims to provide a less invasive alternative to surgical excision, which often results in visible scarring. Patients over 18 with lipomas smaller than 5 cm located on the trunk, abdomen, or extremities are eligible for participation. The RFA technique utilizes heat generated by high-frequency alternating current to ablate the fatty tissue without the need for traditional surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a scar-free treatment option for patients with superficial lipomas.
How similar studies have gone: While RFA has been successfully applied in other medical contexts, this specific application for superficial lipomas is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients \>18 years old * Patients with a lipoma \<5 cm, above the fascia on the trunk, abdomen or extremities Exclusion Criteria: * Lipomas of the face or neck * Angiolipomas (identified on exam as a firm, mobile, occasionally discolored mass) * Patients with history of hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and Werner syndrome * A history of exposure to herbicides, arsenic and dioxin * A history of radiation treatment for other cancers
Where it's running
-
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine Fischkoff, MD — Columbia University
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Intralesional Ronkyla Plus injection for superficial lipomas and submental fullness
This trial tests whether a new injectable hydrogel drug called Ronkyla Plus can safely shrink superficial lipomas or reduce submental fullness in adults aged 18–65.
-
Embella (deoxycholic acid) injections to shrink superficial lipomas
This will test whether injections of Embella (deoxycholic acid) can shrink small, superficial lipomas in adults aged 18 to 65.
-
Treatment of lipomas with cooled sodium chloride injections
This study is testing if cooled saltwater injections can shrink lipomas, which are harmless fat lumps, as a non-surgical option for people looking for cosmetic improvement or symptom relief.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.