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
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
Well explained and take cared
Mary Ann F.
Patient
I am so glad that I spoke up for myself 2.5 years ago to request you as my breast surgeon. I can’t image what my experience would have been like if you weren’t part of my team. I was so fearful of this whole process. However, your knowledge, thoroughness, and compassion and the time you spent with me to work through the process was invaluable and put my mind at ease. Thanks for always answering all of my questions and addressing any concerns I may have. You are the best Dr. Holmes. Alba, thank you for always returning my phone calls and getting me in emergency or not. Both you and Dr. Holmes make on amazing team!
R K.
Patient
Dr. Dennis Holmes is an outstanding doctor. He is caring, personable and very easy to talk with. He is extremely knowledgeable and a leader in the field of breast cancer care. After being diagnosed with breast cancer (my right breast, tumor was 2.9 cm) I was told that the standard procedure with my type of cancer was a lumpectomy, radiation and possible chemotherapy with a hormone blocker which to me was devastating. I was under immense stress! Being scarred for life!! A real devastation to your womanhood! Not being able to dress yourself without second thoughts! I researched alternatives on my own and when I found Dr. Dennis Homes I was so grateful! Me and my husband flew all the way from Europe to Los Angeles! He provided a cure for my cancer, cryoablation, that was much more endurable, minimally-invasive and cared about my emotional needs while managing my problem effectively. Also please note that the recurrence rate (if you are so unlucky is 25% same as lumpectomy! So why scar yourself? Dr Holmes is magnificent! He gave me hope that I can get through this! His office staff is the best! Allison, who I interacted with a lot for appointments, questions to the doctor and whatever I needed always responded quickly, efficiently and with such kindness. I & my husband are forever in his debt! My breast did not change!! highly recommend Dr. Holmes and will be forever thankful for him and his staff! Right now my breast is healing on the inside. Please note that on the outside no difference. You can not see marks,scars, points nothing! Reason I take the effort to publish my experience is that before I came to Los Angeles, I perused the reviews a lot since I felt so desperate and uncertain and everywhere doctors still proclaim lumpectomy as golden standard. Which is not true. Cryo if feasible for you does same, kills the tumor (s), however without detrimental disfigurement. The reviews for cryo really helped me in my decision making. So I hope to help others. Right now I am healing really you can not see anything different about my breast :) The procedure itself was really doable. After they procedure only 1 evening resting and next day I resumed my activities!! I truly am so grateful!! I managed to keep my breast with absolutely no outer changes:) No downtime nothing. Do not hesitate! if dr Holmes considers you a candidate for cryo, and if you want it yourself also, do not hesitate for a moment:) If I could do the process over again, I would not doubt and book the first flight from Europe to Los Angeles again!! Hugs and Kisses and a very great thanks!!
Brigitte W.
Patient
Hi Dr. Holmes, one year ago today your excellent surgical skills gave me the very best of Christmas presents by sending me home cancer-free at the end of the day! Thank you for saving my life and for the kindness with which you approach your patients in your practice. You made facing one of the most frightening experiences of my life much easier to navigate. I am so grateful that my primary care doctor sent me your way.
E H.
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
Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and for giving women options. I so very much appreciate all you have done for me. I can share my story with others. God blessings to all.
L V B.
Patient
Dr. Holmes and his staff treated me very well thru a difficult time in my life after my diagnosis. I'm very grateful for the surgery he performed. He is a an excellent dr and was very kind and compassionate for my situation.
Laurice K.
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
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