Understanding the
Cryoablation Procedure
Cryoablation (pronounced “Kry-o-a-blay-shun”) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a needle-like instrument within which liquid nitrogen circulates to treat cancer by freezing cancer until it is dead. The goal of the cryoablation procedure is to kill the cancer as well as a rim of normal tissue surrounding the cancer to ensure that the cancer is treated fully. The cryoablation procedure is similar to the needle biopsy that is typically performed to diagnose a cancer.
Cryoablation is an effective treatment method that has been used for many years to treat various cancers, including prostate, kidney, and cervical cancers, as well as benign breast tumors. It is a relatively new treatment for breast cancer that has already proven effective for early stage breast cancer, especially estrogen sensitive invasive ductal carcinoma measuring 2 cm or less. Dr. Holmes is leading the way in using cryoablation for treatment of later stage breast cancers that might otherwise require mastectomy.
Cryoablation Step-by-Step
STEP 1
Local anesthetic is injected into the skin and into the interior of the breast to numb the area where the cryoprobe will be inserted. This ensures that you remain comfortable during the procedure. The injection might cause temporary pain which is quickly followed by numbness.
STEP 2
A small incision (approximately 3 mm) is made in the skin. The cryoprobe, a needle-like instrument, is then inserted through this incision and guided to the center of the tumor using ultrasound. Precise positioning of the cryoprobe is crucial for effective treatment.
STEP 3
Liquid nitrogen circulates within the cryoprobe, creating an intense cold at the tip. This freezes the tumor and a surrounding rim of normal tissue to a core temperature of -180º C at the center of the tumor and -40º C near the surface of the tumor. The freezing process involves three cycles: 10 minutes of freezing, followed by a 10-minute thaw, and then another 10 minutes of freezing. Freeze and thaw times might vary based on the situation.
STEP 4
After the second freezing cycle, the cryoprobe is warmed and withdrawn from the breast. Pressure is applied to the skin opening to minimize bleeding, and a small bandage is placed over the incision. The entire procedure typically takes less that an hour for a single cryoablation treatment.
Dr. Dennis Holmes Speaks on Cryobalation
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How Cryoablation Eliminates Cancer
Osmotic Injury
Dehydration and rehydration of cells cause membrane damage, leading to cell death.
Mechanical Injury
Formation of ice crystals within cells damages cell structures, leading to cell destruction.
Vascular Injury
Damage to blood vessels deprives cancer cells of oxygen and nutrients.
Apoptotic Cell Death
Sub-lethal temperatures activate enzymes that cause programmed cell death.
Immunogenic Injury
Abnormal tumor proteins stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Benefits of Cryoablation
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Cryoablation involves less surgical intervention, which reduces trauma to the body.
Quicker Recovery Time
Patients typically experience faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods.
Preserves Breast Tissue
The procedure targets only the cancerous tissue, helping to maintain the breast's appearance and function.
Typically Replaces Surgery
By effectively treating cancer with minimal invasion, cryoablation can lessen the necessity for follow-up surgeries.*
Enhances Immune Response
Cryoablation may stimulate the body's immune system to fight remaining cancer cells, although this effect is not yet proven in humans.
Effectiveness of Cryoablation
Multiple studies show that cryoablation is an effective treatment for early-stage, hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, its effectiveness for larger tumors, recurrent cancers, or non-hormone-dependent cancers remains under investigation.
Effectiveness in killing targeted cancer tissue.
Average duration of the cryoablation procedure.
Approximate incision size, with no breast tissue removal.
Typical recovery time before resuming normal activites.
The temperature of freezing with liquid nitrogen. Tumor killing begins at minus 40 Celsius.
Local recurrence rate in patients over a 6-year follow-up.Source
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Cryoablation does not substitute for other recommended cancer treatments.
It's important to note that while cryoablation is a substitute for breast surgery, it does not eliminate the potential benefits of other treatments such as:
Radiation Therapy
Often recommended after cryoablation to further reduce risk of recurrence
Anti-Cancer Medications
Recommended for managing cancer that is hormone receptor-positive.
Lymph Node Surgery
May be required but can sometimes be avoided for low-risk tumors.
Who is Eligible for Cryoablation?
Eligibility for cryoablation is determined on a case-by-case basis guided by three key factors:
Tumor Size
Though ideally suited for tumors < 2cm, multiple ablations can be utilized to treat larger tumors on a case-by-case basis
Cancer Type
Though ideally suited for estrogen-sensitive invasive ductal cancers, other types of cancers may. be treated on a case-by-case basis
Visibility
Though ideally suited for ultrasound visible tumors, special ultrasound-visible markers may be inserted to guide treatment of non-ultrasound visible tumors
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Receive your treatment in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Dennis Holmes performs cryoablation procedures at his office located in Glendale, California, within Los Angeles County. The office is situated on the campus of Adventist Health Glendale Medical Center.
Patients from across the country and internationally travel to Glendale for consultations, procedures, and follow-up care with Dr. Holmes. The office is conveniently located near major freeways and airports, making it accessible for out-of-town patients.
Submit Your Case
We invite you to submit your case for a free case preview with Dr. Dennis Holmes. Our goal is to make the process as easy and accessible as possible, ensuring you get the information and support you need.
