Hope for a cure with ice
The medical world continues to develop less traumatic and more effective methods against cancer with technological developments. One of these methods, cryoablation, is a promising alternative or complementary option to surgery, especially in the treatment of breast cancer. So, what is cryoablation and what role does it play in breast cancer treatment?
What is Cryoablation?
Cryoablation literally means “destruction by cooling”. In this method, tumor cells are frozen and destroyed by exposing them to very low temperatures (-40°C and below). During the procedure, argon gas is introduced into the tumor through a thin needle, which freezes the tumor along with the surrounding tissues, causing the cells to die.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and accompanied by ultrasound or tomography. The patient can be discharged the same day.
Cryoablation in Breast Cancer: How is it used?
Cryoablation is a preferred method especially for small, limited and early stage breast cancers. The appropriate patient profile is usually
Patients with tumor size less than 3 cm
Cases without lymph node spread
Patients who are not suitable for surgery or refuse surgery
Elderly or low-risk groups with comorbidities
What are the Advantages of Cryoablation?
It is non-surgical: No scalpel is used, no incision is made.
It is aesthetically protective: The integrity of the breast tissue is not disrupted, leaving no scars.
It is painless or very little painful: Local anesthesia is sufficient, general anesthesia is not required.
Fast recovery time: No hospitalization is required after the procedure, return to normal life is fast.
Repeatable: It can be reapplied to the same area if necessary.
It can be combined with radiotherapy and systemic therapy.
Disadvantages and Limitations
Not suitable for every patient: Not recommended for large, disseminated or multifocal tumors.
Lymph node sampling cannot be performed: Additional evaluation is therefore required in patients at risk of lymph involvement.
Long-term efficacy is still under investigation: Careful evaluation is needed, especially in younger patients.
What Do Studies Say?
Recent clinical trials show that cryoablation is effective and safe, especially in low-grade, hormone receptor positive breast cancers. In some studies, the tumor completely disappeared after cryoablation and patients were followed up for a long time without the need for surgery.
What Can Happen in the Future?
Cryoablation may become a more common option in the future, especially for patients interested in minimally invasive treatments. Although larger studies are needed for routine use, it stands out as a promising method, especially in certain patient groups.
Conclusion
Cryoablation offers a comfortable alternative or supportive option to surgery in breast cancer treatment in low-risk patients. Especially for women who have cosmetic concerns, who want to avoid surgery or who are not suitable for conventional surgery due to comorbidities, “treatment with ice” may be a new hope.
