Effectiveness & Testimonials
Cryoablation has shown promising results in treating early-stage, hormone-sensitive breast cancers. The procedure involves using extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancerous tissues, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgeries like lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Clinical Effectiveness of Cryoablation
Studies have highlighted the following key findings:
- Efficacy for Small Tumors: Cryoablation is most effective for tumors 2 cm or smaller. The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z1072 trial reported a 100% success rate for tumors less than 1 cm and a 92% success rate for tumors up to 2 cm.
- Long-Term Success: A Japanese clinical trial involving 304 women with stage I invasive ductal carcinomas reported a 0.98% local recurrence rate over six years, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of cryoablation when combined with anti-estrogen medications and radiation therapy.
- In April 2024, the 5-year follow-up results of the ICE3 trial were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons in Orlando, Florida. The ICE3 trial is multicenter, single-arm, non-randomized clinical trial that evaluated the role of cryoablation as an alternative to surgery. The trial enrolled 194 women years of age (median 75 years) with unifocal, clinical stage I, histologic grade 1 or 2, estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive, HER2/neu negative invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosed by minimally invasive biopsy. The use of anti-estrogen therapy, radiation therapy, and sentinel node biopsy were not mandated by the trial. As such, nearly 80% of ICE3 trial participants utilized endocrine therapy but only 14% received adjuvant radiation therapy and only 8% of participants underwent a sentinel node biopsy. At 5 years of follow-up, there were 7 recurrences of cancer in the same breast yielding a local recurrence free survival rate of 96.7%, which is comparable to lumpectomy clinical trials in women over 60 years of age where radiation therapy was omitted. The 5-year results will be published soon.
Cryoablation also offers theoretical benefits in stimulating an anti-cancer immune response, although this effect is not yet fully proven in humans. Proteins released from cryoablated tumors may help the immune system recognize and attack remaining cancer cells, potentially providing additional protection against recurrence.
Quick, Minimally Invasive, and Highly Effective.
Effectiveness in killing targeted cancer cells.
Average duration of the cryoablation procedure.
Typical recovery time before resuming normal activites.
Local recurrence rate in patients over a 6-year folow-up.
Real Stories from Dr. Holmes’ Patients
Dr. Holmes is kind, professional, and has a lot of patience answering every question you might have.
Einat M.
Patient
I would like to thank Dr. Holmes for everything his done for me during the scariest time in my life. He is so knowledgeable, an excellent surgeon. He is kind, compassionate. Very patient taking his time to explain everything to me and my husband. He has a great team working with him. Alba was extremely helpful during this difficult time. I’m for ever grateful for everything you did for me during this very difficult time.
Lilly V.
Patient
Great and SMART staff. Great place with ZERO infection rate. I was back to work after surgery way sooner then expected! Awesome place great center.
Allissa P.
Patient
Dr Holmes is one of the most thorough, knowledgeable, professional and caring doctors I've ever met. From the beginning I felt I was in good hands with him. And now a year and a half after my surgery, I'm doing well. But I am able to contact his staff at any time for questions or concerns. He works extremely well with my oncologist, my integrative oncologist, the radiologist and my general doctor. I live in a different state but was able to travel to California for surgery. Dr Holmes is extremely caring and he goes above and beyond! I would recommend him to any woman who has breast cancer. He is the best of the best!
Vicki G.
Patient
My mom and I want to thank you and your staff for giving us another option to mastectomy and taking such good care of me before, during and after the cryoablation. I am grateful beyond words to be a part of this trail-blazing effort to challenge the boundaries of conventional breast cancer treatments.
A. E.
Patient
Thank you so much for being caring and patient with me during this hard transition. I really appreciate your professionalism and dedication.
M. M.
Patient
I wanted to express my appreciation to you for reviewing my medical file as a possible candidate for cryoablation. Even though I decided to have conventional surgery, the information that you, your staff and website provided was helpful for me to take a confident decision for my treatment. Allison from your staff was knowledgeable and very patient in answering my questions at a time that was emotional and filled with anxiety. Your staff evidently follows your lead in promoting a positive and kind atmosphere for your patients. Thank you for your time.
D. C.
Patient
God Bless you, your mind, and your hands, so you may continue to help all women with breast cancer! We thank you for everything that you have done!
Family of MT
Family of Patient
This week I celebrated my 55th birthday. I cannot be thankful enough for your help in giving me another chance to enjoy waking up each day.
M. L.
Patient
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