Cryoablation

What it is

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. It involves inserting a thin probe into the tumor, which emits cold temperatures to freeze and kill the cancer cells, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

What research shows

Studies suggest that cryoablation is effective in treating various types of cancer, including lung, liver, breast, and prostate cancer, with high local control rates and low recurrence figures. Evidence indicates that cryoablation can be safely used in patients who are poor surgical candidates or have tumors that are difficult to remove surgically. However, more research is needed to determine its long-term efficacy and optimal patient selection.

Current status

Cryoablation is a promising treatment option for patients with localized cancer who are not candidates for surgery or have tumors that are difficult to remove surgically. However, its use is still limited to specialized centers and more research is needed to determine its optimal role in cancer treatment.

Key studies

• PMID 42563352

  Cryoablation has been described as a renaissance in freezing oncology.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42543720

  The use of adrenaline in local anaesthetics during cryosurgery for eyelid basal cell carcinoma was evaluated using infrared thermography.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42534769

  Cryoablation was described as an organ-preserving therapy for low rectal cancer, preserving the sphincter and avoiding permanent colostomies.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42497034

  Cryoablation of axillary lymph node metastases was performed safely and effectively for curative and palliative breast cancer treatment.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42399004

  Interventional radiology has evolved from a palliative adjunct to a core component of multidisciplinary thoracic oncology.

  PubMed ↗