Cryotherapy is a localized treatment that aims to freeze cancer cells. The cold temperature is achieved through the usage of liquid nitrogen or argon gas. Cryotherapy can be used to treat tumors inside the body as well as those on the skin. This treatment will only damage the cells that are exposed to the cold.
When used to target internal organs, a needle is inserted through the skin directly into the tumor, then a gas that freezes the tissue is pumped through the needle.
A Promising Alternative to Lumpectomy?
The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) has recently released data from a 3-year ongoing research study. According to their findings, an easy 1-hour cryoablation procedure could replace lumpectomy surgery!
In this study, a total of 157 patients were treated with cryoablation at different participating centers across the United States. Interim results suggested that Cryoablation of the breast is safe and well-tolerated with a 100% initial procedural success rate.
The overall clinical success rate with at least 6 months follow-up is 99.4%. Long-term results are also promising. As a comparison, lumpectomy has a 90%- 95% success rate.
You can find more details here.
While cryotherapy is not yet a standard procedure that is readily available, the good news is that alternative clinics in Mexico offer it now.
