Breast cancer remains an unnerving diagnosis, but advancements in treatment options provide hope and innovative solutions. Cryoablation is a progressive technique that offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery for early-stage breast cancer. Cryoablation was first introduced in the 1980s—it uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells. Today’s oncologists recommend this method due to the high cryoablation success rate, minimum side effects, and excellent cosmetic outcomes.
If you’ve had a breast cancer screening and are considering cryoablation for treatment, rest assured that it is a safe, impactful, and breast-conserving option. At Mammography Inc. (Mami), we emphasise exceptional patient care to secure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Let’s discuss why cryoablation is becoming a preferred choice for breast cancer management.
Explaining Cryoablation for Breast Cancer
Cryoablation, also known as cryotherapy or cryosurgery for breast cancer, involves inserting a thin probe into a tumor under imaging guidance. The probe delivers liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze the cancerous tissue, resulting in cell death. The immune system gradually absorbs the destroyed cells, ultimately eliminating the mass naturally. The entire procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, requiring only local anesthesia, and takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Cryoablation Success Rate: What the Research Says
Numerous studies highlight the efficacy of cryoablation for early-stage breast cancer. According to clinical trials, the cryoablation breast cancer success rate is approximately 85% to 95% for growths smaller than 2 cm. Favorable outcomes improve even further when combined with additional therapies, such as hormone treatment or radiation. Notably, the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) trial demonstrated that cryoablation could suitably treat small, localized breast tumors with lasting benefits.
Advantages of Cryoablation Over Traditional Surgery
Cryoablation presents multiple benefits compared to lumpectomy or mastectomy:
- This surgery is marginally invasive; the procedure requires only a small incision, lowering the risk of infection and complications.
- You can expect a quick recovery. Post-cryoablation recovery is rapid, with most patients resuming normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
- Cryoablation doesn’t require general anesthesia. It is performed under local anesthesia, unlike traditional surgery. It is therefore a safer option for high-risk patients.
- It has outstanding cosmetic outcomes, with minimal scarring and preservation of breast tissue contributing to superior aesthetic results.
- Cryotherapy success rates are comparable to surgery but come at a lower cost, so it is a more accessible treatment option.
Post-Cryoablation Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery after cryoablation is normally smooth and uncomplicated. Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the treatment site, which usually resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication should be sufficient for managing discomfort and most patients can return to work and daily activities within two days. Follow-up imaging certifies complete tumor destruction and monitors healing progress.
Who is a Candidate for Cryoablation?
Cryoablation is best suited for:
- Patients with early-stage breast cancer – lumps smaller than 2 cm.
- Women who prefer a breast-conserving treatment.
- Patients ineligible for surgery due to age, medical conditions, or personal preference.
- Individuals looking for a surgery substitute with faster recovery and slight scarring.
However, cryoablation alone may not be ideal for all breast cancer cases. Larger masses or aggressive forms of cancer may demand a combination of treatments (research on larger lumps is still relatively new). Consultation with a qualified oncologist is fundamental to determine the best treatment plan.
Cryoablation Success Stories: Real-Life Case Studies
The ICE3 Trial: Evaluating Long-Term Efficacy
The ICE3 trial is a considerable multicenter study assessing the safety and conclusiveness of cryoablation in women aged 60 and above with low-risk, early-stage breast cancer. Involving 194 patients with growths measuring up to 1.5 cm, the trial reported a 5-year ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) rate of 4.3%. Remarkably, 96.7% of patients remained free from breast cancer at the 5-year mark. The procedure was well-tolerated, with no serious device-related adverse events, and patients experienced substantial improvements in quality-of-life post-treatment – Pubmed Central.
Case Study: Cryoablation of a Retroareolar Lesion
An 87-year-old female patient presented with a 6 mm retroareolar lesion in the left breast. She declined surgical intervention and opted for cryoablation, due to personal circumstances. The outpatient procedure was performed using a 1.5 mm cryoprobe under local anesthesia. Follow-up imaging showed no residual tumor, and the patient encountered an uneventful recovery with tremendous cosmetic results – BostonScientic.com.
CT-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation: A Single-Center Experience
A study conducted in Germany evaluated CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation in 45 patients with 56 breast lumps. The patient cohort included individuals with recurrent masses and metastases. Initial complete ablation was achieved in 100% of cases, with a local tumor progression rate of 8.9% over a mean follow-up of 4.13 years. No complications were observed, suggesting that cryoablation is a safe and practical treatment modality for primary breast cancer tumors, even in complex cases – MDPI.
Cryoablation for Masses Close to the Skin
A 52-year-old Asian female with bilateral invasive ductal carcinoma underwent cryoablation for an 8 mm lesion located close to the chest wall. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance. A saline injection technique was utilized to protect surrounding tissues. Biopsies revealed no viable cancer cells a month post-procedure, and after nine years, the patient remained cancer-free with no complications and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes – Icecure Medical.
Immunotherapy and Cryoablation: A Combined Approach
In a compelling case, a 53-year-old woman who was initially given a prognosis of two years with stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer underwent a treatment regimen combining immunotherapy, cryoablation, and immune system supplements. PET scans indicated complete remission six weeks post-treatment. This case underscores the potential of integrating cryoablation with immunotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes in advanced breast cancer cases – New York Post.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Cryoablation
This technique is developing breast cancer treatment, with an impressive cryoablation success rate and numerous benefits. It provides a safe, functional, and less invasive alternative to traditional surgery, allowing patients to recover quickly and maintain their quality of life. Our mission at Mami is to provide avant-garde treatments and amazing patient care. If you are considering cryoablation, consult with one of our specialists to explore how this contemporary approach can be part of your personalised breast cancer treatment plan.
