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Cryoablation is a minimally invasive solution to treat breast cancer

Breast cancer

Cryoablation: Minimally invasive treatment option

 Understanding Breast Cancer

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. However, thanks to ongoing medical advances, treatment options continue to improve. 

Breast cancer happens when some cells in the breast start growing in an abnormal way. These cells can form a lump (called a tumor) and, if not treated, may spread to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer is the top cancer and main cause of cancer deaths in EU women1

374,800

 women were diagnosed with breast cancer EU in 2022.1

95,800

Approximately women died of breast cancer in EU in 2022.1

The most highlighted symptoms (2)  are the following :

  • Breast lump reported in the majority of symptoms case.
  • Nipple abnormalities
  • Breast pain

Other symptoms include skin changes, swelling, back pain or weight lost.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Half of all estimated cases in women occurred in the age group 45-69, where there is a stronger recommendation for mammographic screening (1). Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for improving survival rates and guiding effective treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, your doctor may use one of the following diagnostic methods (3,4,5) to identify whether you suffer from breast cancer or not :

  • Mammography
  • Ultrasound (US)
  • MRI
  • Biopsy
  • Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
  • Molecular/Genetic Biomarkers

Doctors have different ways to treat breast cancer. These include:

  • Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)
  • Radiation
  • Medicines targeted therapies
  • Immunotherapy
  • Cryoablation

What is cryoablation treatment and how does it work?

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys cancer cells using extreme cold delivered through a thin probe inserted into the tumor under imaging guidance. The therapy is usually performed in the hospital interventional radiology department. The procedure  involves several steps:

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Your doctor places the Treatment Needle Safely
First, imaging technologies (computed tomography and/ or ultrasound) are used to insert at least one thin needle into the tumor lesion. 

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 An Ice Ball is created and the tumor  lesion Frozen
The noble gas argon is then passed through the needle(s). Extreme cold creates an “ice ball” that encompasses the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue. The cancer cells are destroyed through controlled freezing.

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Your doctor will move through a gentle thawing and re‑freezing
After freezing, the tissue is thawed again and possibly frozen a second time, resulting in extensive destruction of the cancer cells.

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Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, your doctor will remove the needle(s) and will cover the puncture site with a bandage.

Researchers continue to work on better ways to overcome treatment resistance, use combinations of therapies, and make care even more precise. The goal is to help patients live longer, maintaining the best possible quality of life.

Your Breast Cancer care: what you might expect before, during and after a cryoablation treatment

Surgery is still the main way doctors treat early-stage breast cancer today. Cryoablation offers a gentle, minimally invasive alternative to patients who may not be suitable for surgery. Cryoablation is often performed as a same-day outpatient procedure, meaning many patients go home the same day. Depending on the treatment area and individual needs, the procedure may be done using conscious sedation or general anesthesia. 

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Cryoablation procedure is quick and simple

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive technique. The procedure  on breast cancer is usually completed in 30–60 minutes under local anesthesia. In most cases, you can go home the same day, helping you return to your routine faster.6,7,8

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With Cryoablation treatment, your breast preserves  its natural appearance

Cryoablation avoids large incisions, which means less scarring and better breast aesthetics.6,9

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Cryoablation is an alternative option if you are not suitable for traditional surgery

It’s especially helpful for older patients or anyone who may not be able to undergo traditional surgery because of other health conditions.6,7,8

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Cryoablation is a repeatable treatment

If needed, cryoablation can be repeated without significantly increasing risk,  enabling your doctor to repeat the therapy in case of relapse.6,8

Is cryoablation right for me?

Most breast cancer tumors’ lesions that can be treated with cryotherapy are small (less than 25 mm), clearly visible on ultrasound, and do not have additional localized growth. Cryoablation may be considered for patients who have:

  • Early-stage, low-risk breast cancer
  • Small tumors confirmed by imaging and biopsy
  • Hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative tumors
  • No evidence of cancer spread
  • Older age (for example, 65–70+ years, depending on clinical evaluation)
  • Medical conditions that may increase surgical risk6.

Your doctor will determine whether you are an appropriate candidate based on your individual diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and overall health status.

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Are there any risks associated with cryoablation treatment?

Your doctor will inform you that like any medical procedure, cryoablation carries potential risks. These may include bleeding or hematoma, infection, skin injury, incomplete destruction of the tumor, the possibility of cancer returning in the treated area, and the need for additional treatment if the initial procedure is not fully effective. Before undergoing cryoablation therapy, discuss all potential risks, benefits, indications, contraindications, and alternatives with your doctor who will define whether this treatment is appropriate based on your individual health situation. 

DISCLAIMER

This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

Caution:
The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.

References

1- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC). "Breast cancer in the EU." October 2023. PDF file.

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2- Minjoung Monica Koo, Christian von Wagner, Gary A. Abel, Sean McPhail, Greg P. Rubin, Georgios Lyratzopoulos,
Typical and atypical presenting symptoms of breast cancer and their associations with diagnostic intervals: Evidence from a national audit of cancer diagnosis,
Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 48, 2017,Pages 140-146,
ISSN 1877-7821, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2017.04.010.

3- Zgajnar, J. (2018). Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis and Staging of Breast Cancer. , 159-176. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56673-3_14.

4- Diego Barba, Ariana León-Sosa, Paulina Lugo, Daniela Suquillo, Fernando Torres, Frederic Surre, Lionel Trojman, Andrés Caicedo,
Breast cancer, screening and diagnostic tools: All you need to know,
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, Volume 157, 2021, 103174, ISSN 1040-8428, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103174.

5- Liu J, Xiao R, Yin H, et al
Meta-analysis and systematic review of the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography for the detection of breast cancer
BMJ Open 2024;14:e069788. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069788

6- Simmons, R.M., Ballman, K.V., Cox, C. et al. A Phase II Trial Exploring the Success of Cryoablation Therapy in the Treatment of Invasive Breast Carcinoma: Results from ACOSOG (Alliance) Z1072. Ann Surg Oncol 23, 2438–2445 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-016-5275-3=7

7-Khan, S.Y., Cole, J., Habrawi, Z. et al. Cryoablation Allows the Ultimate De-escalation of Surgical Therapy for Select Breast Cancer Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 30, 8398–8403 (2023). DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14332-3

8. Pusceddu C, Paliogiannis P, Nigri G, Fancellu A. Cryoablation In The Management Of Breast Cancer: Evidence To Date. Breast Cancer (Dove Med Press). 2019;11:283-292
https://doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S197406

9. Fine, R.E., Gilmore, R.C., Tomkovich, K.R. et al. Cryoablation Without Excision for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: ICE3 Trial 5-Year Follow-Up on Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence. Ann Surg Oncol 31, 7273–7283 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-024-16181-0