Cryoablation is a therapeutic technique that causes cell destruction through the effects of cold and can be performed percutaneously, guided by imaging. It is a simple procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthesia.
At IVOQA we specialise in cryoablation of the breast, being the only privately managed hospital in Spain, and one of the few in Europe, where this technique is performed in a protocolised manner.
What is cryoablation?
Cryoablation is a procedure that uses an extremely cold liquid or an instrument called a cryoprobe to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. This cryoprobe is cooled with substances such as liquid nitrogen, liquid nitrous oxide or compressed argon gas. It is possible to use this technique to treat certain types of cancer and some conditions that sometimes develop into such diseases. It is also called cryosurgery and cryotherapy.
How does cryoablation work?
The cryoablation process works as follows:
- Introduction of the probe: a thin needle in the form of a rod (cryoprobe) is inserted through the skin and directly into the cancerous tumour. This procedure is usually performed under image guidance, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to ensure precise placement.
- Freezing of the tissue: once the cryoprobe is in place, an extremely cold gas (such as liquid nitrogen or argon) is pumped through the probe. This creates an ice ball around the tumour, freezing the cancer cells.
- Destruction of malignant cells: the freezing and thawing process is repeated several times. The rapid freezing forms ice crystals inside the cells, which causes the cell membranes to rupture and cell death. Thawing allows the tissue to expand and contract, which also contributes to the destruction of malignant cells.
Cryoablation mainly affects cancerous tissue for several reasons:
- Sensitivity to cold: cancer cells are more sensitive to extreme cold than healthy cells, which makes them more susceptible to destruction by freezing.
- Precision of the procedure: image guidance allows precise placement of the cryoprobe, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Immune response: the destruction of cancer cells releases tumour antigens, which can stimulate an immune response from the body to attack the remaining cancer cells.
This procedure is especially useful for treating tumours that cannot be surgically removed, and for relieving pain and other symptoms caused by the cancer.
Benefits of cryoablation as a cancer treatment
Cryoablation offers several benefits in the treatment of cancer, standing out for its minimally invasive approach and its ability to preserve healthy tissue:
- Minimisation of damage to healthy tissue: cryoablation is a targeted procedure that specifically freezes and destroys tumour cells, minimising damage to surrounding tissue.
- Minimally invasive procedure: generally, only a small incision is required to insert the cryoprobe, resulting in faster recovery times and less post-operative discomfort.
- Preservation of organ function: by destroying only the tumour tissue, cryoablation helps to preserve the function of vital organs.
- Repeat of the process: it is possible to repeat the procedure in cases of relapse or incomplete ablation and it is not necessary to interrupt systemic treatments such as chemotherapy.
- Relief of symptoms: in addition to treating the cancer, cryoablation can relieve pain and other symptoms caused by tumours that have spread to the bones or other organs.
What types of cancer can be treated with cryoablation?
Cryoablation for cancer is generally used when surgery is not an option. It is used for many types of cancer, including:
- Bone cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Eye cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
Cryoablation is also used to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by cancer that has spread to the bone, other organs or the lymph nodes. It can also be administered for large tumours that cannot be treated with surgery.
Technological advances and the role of IVOQA in cryoablation
The main objective of the Breast Unit at IVOQA is the comprehensive management of breast diseases, both malignant and benign, using as a tool a consensus of basic lines of action in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of breast cancer.
The Unit also stands out for its specialisation in oncoplastic surgery and cryoablation.
The main indication for cryoablation in breast cancer is to treat breast cancer without surgery in patients who are advanced in age and/or who cannot undergo conventional surgery due to their multiple illnesses.
Applications:
- It can treat any type of carcinoma, including localised axillary disease.
- It has proven highly effective in the majority of breast cancer tumours, but is particularly effective in hormone receptor-positive breast tumours.
- Another indication is the treatment of benign lesions without surgery.
Procedure:
- It is simple, safe and well tolerated.
- It is a minimally invasive procedure that only requires local anaesthesia, as the cold contributes to the analgesia. It is performed on an outpatient basis on the breast and the patient can return to her normal life almost immediately.
- The procedure involves inserting a needle with ultrasound guidance at -120º/-140º degrees, causing cell destruction thanks to the effects of the cold.
- It is possible to repeat the procedure in cases of relapse or incomplete ablation and it is not necessary to interrupt systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Cryoablation is an innovative therapeutic technique that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal cells, including cancer cells. This minimally invasive procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthesia, allowing for a quick recovery and minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
IVOQA specialises in breast cryoablation, offering an effective and safe option for patients who cannot undergo conventional surgery. In addition, cryoablation can relieve symptoms and treat various types of cancer, standing out for its precision and ability to preserve organ function.
