Ultrasound-guided cryoablation for painless and scar-free breast cancer treatment

A new study has found that ultrasound-guided cryoablation of small breast cancer may be a safe procedure associated with minimal morbidity and high patient satisfaction.

Washington, May 5 : A new study has found that ultrasound-guided cryoablation of small breast cancer may be a safe procedure associated with minimal morbidity and high patient satisfaction.

Cryoablation is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze a particular organ or area to extremely low temperatures to kill the tissue.

The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Gale A. Sisney at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, WI.

As part of the study, researchers considered an 85-year-old woman who had two small biopsy proven invasive ductal carcinomas.

Researchers found that the patient had no pain during when treated with ultrasound-guided cryoablation alone (tissue destruction by controlled freezing and thawing).

"The patient refused surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or chemoprevention therapy. The patient had an excellent cosmetic result, with no scar or volume reduction in her breast. She is also without known progressive disease at one year mammographic and ultrasound follow-up," Sisney said.

"The patient had absolutely no pain during the procedure and was fully alert and talking. At one year follow up we can not see the incision sites," Sisney added.

"Over the first year of follow up, the tumors slowly are 'melting' away on imaging as the body presumably reabsorbed the tissue. It is exciting that others have suggested that an immune response may be occurring that may give additional protection," said Sisney.

"Many questions remain unanswered regarding the use of cryoablation. Clinical trials will be needed to further understand the feasibility of cryoablation in minimal breast cancer treatment.

"While cryoablation of breast cancer is currently an investigational technique, cryoablation of benign fibroadenomas in the breast has recently become available as a FDA approved clinical procedure. This case supports the findings already in the literature regarding the safety and efficacy of cryoablation in small breast tumors," Dr. Sisney added.

The findings of the research will be presented as an electronic exhibit at the American Roentgen Ray Society's annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.

ANI