Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with various treatment options available, including cryoablation, which uses extreme cold to kill cancer cells. Typically used for small tumors, there is new research suggesting cryoablation may be effective for treating larger breast cancer tumors as well. This alternative to surgery could benefit high-risk patients with comorbidities. The study involved 60 participants who underwent cryoablation due to being ineligible for or unwilling to undergo surgery.
The standard treatment for breast cancer is surgery to remove the tumor, particularly if the cancer is localized. Cryoablation offers an alternative for patients who are not surgical candidates, such as those who are older, have comorbidities, or are on blood thinners. This minimally invasive procedure involves using imaging guidance to locate tumors and inserting probes emitting cold temperatures to create an ice ball around the tumor. The combination of cryoablation, hormonal therapy, and radiation can destroy nearly 100% of tumors, with the option for multiple treatments if needed.
Participants in the study were able to go home the same day after cryoablation, with tumor sizes ranging from 0.3 to 9 cm. Tumors larger than 1.4 cm were treated with one probe per centimeter during the procedure. After a median follow-up of 16 months, the recurrence rate was only 10%, showing promise for the effectiveness of cryoablation in larger tumors. Further analysis and ongoing studies will continue to monitor the outcomes of patients treated with cryoablation.
While cryoablation has been studied for many years, it is not commonly used due to the rarity of patients who are ineligible for surgery. The study’s sample size was small with a short follow-up period, leading to questions about the long-term outcomes and recurrence rates of patients treated with cryoablation. More research, including larger studies with longer follow-up durations, is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of cryoablation compared to traditional surgical options for breast cancer treatment.
Overall, cryoablation presents a potential alternative to surgery for breast cancer patients who are not candidates for traditional surgical options. The procedure’s minimally invasive nature and ability to be combined with other treatments make it a promising option for those with larger tumors or comorbidities that prevent them from undergoing surgery. Continued research and monitoring of patients treated with cryoablation will provide more insights into its efficacy and long-term outcomes in comparison to standard breast cancer treatment methods.
