Cryoablation for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Review of the Current Landscape and Future Possibilities

Acad Radiol. 2023 Dec;30(12):3086-3100. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.06.030. Epub 2023 Aug 16.

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Traditional treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, cryoablation, a minimally invasive technique, has emerged as a promising alternative for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. This article aims to provide an overview of cryoablation, focusing on incorporation into practice, patient selection, procedural technique, imaging follow-up, post-treatment radiopathological findings, and current and ongoing research in the field. The current evidence suggests that cryoablation offers a safe and effective treatment option for selected patients, providing comparable oncological outcomes to traditional treatments while minimizing invasiveness and preserving breast aesthetics.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breast radiology; Cryoablation; Interventional oncology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Cryosurgery* / methods
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome