Breast Cryoablation: Techniques, Indications, and Challenges

Purpose of Review Breast cryoablation is a minimally invasive technique that uses extreme cold to kill target tissues. Already utilized in the treatment of breast fibroadenomas as well as in other organ systems, breast cryoablation has recently become an option in the treatment of malignant breast t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current radiology reports (Philadelphia, PA ) PA ), 2023-04, Vol.11 (4), p.60-68
Main Authors: Vyas, Kena P., Cannavo, Matthew D., Ward, Robert C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antigens
Breast
Breast Imaging
Breast Imaging (Haydee Ojeda-Fournier and Azadeh Elmi
Cell death
Imaging
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Radiology
Section Editors
Tumors
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Summary:Purpose of Review Breast cryoablation is a minimally invasive technique that uses extreme cold to kill target tissues. Already utilized in the treatment of breast fibroadenomas as well as in other organ systems, breast cryoablation has recently become an option in the treatment of malignant breast tumors. Recent Findings Two clinical trials are currently evaluating the efficacy of breast cryoablation for the treatment of breast malignancy. Preliminary data from one of the clinical trials demonstrated a recurrence rate of 2.1% at the 35-month time point. Recent studies suggest that cryoablation-induced cell death may increase expression of tumor antigens, proposing a role in adjuvant cellular immunotherapy. Summary Utilizing ultrasound guidance, this office-based procedure has minimal recovery and improved cosmesis. With promising early outcomes in clinical trials, breast cryoablation is proving an alternative to surgical breast conservation therapy.
ISSN:2167-4825
2167-4825
DOI:10.1007/s40134-023-00411-6