Cryoablation

What it is

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. It involves inserting a thin probe into the tumor under imaging guidance and freezing the cells, causing them to die.

What research shows

Studies suggest that cryoablation is effective in treating various types of cancer, including breast, lung, kidney, and liver cancer. Evidence indicates that cryoablation can achieve high local control rates, with some studies reporting complete tumor response rates of up to 90%. 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 early-stage or locally recurrent cancer who are not suitable for surgery or other treatments. However, its limitations include the potential for incomplete tumor destruction and the need for further research to determine its optimal use.

Key studies

• PMID 42004807

  Cryoablation has emerged as a promising treatment option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and lung metastases.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 42002538

  Percutaneous cryoablation is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical resection for pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 41994023

  Local therapies, including cryoablation, have become increasingly popular for the multidisciplinary management of hepatocellular carcinoma.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 41988263

  Radiofrequency ablation, a thermal ablation modality, has a longer clinical accumulation and technical evolution compared to other ablation techniques, including cryoablation.

  PubMed ↗
• PMID 41978703

  Cryoablation plus immune checkpoint inhibitors enhanced dendritic cell and T cell activation in a triple-negative breast cancer murine model.

  PubMed ↗