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Cryoablation Therapy

chicagoan
chicagoan Member Posts: 1,067
in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I read this interesting article about the effectiveness of cryoablation therapy combined with immunotherapy. I might consider trying the Williams Cancer Institute if I have progression. Anyone else familiar with cryoablation?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13988951/florida-mother-terminal-breast-cancer-revolutionary-treatment.html

Comments

  • AJ
    AJ Member Posts: 269

    I have no experience with cryoblation but I dont think that the Daily Mail is a reliable source.

  • maggie15
    maggie15 Member Posts: 1,389

    Cryoablation is used to treat esophageal dysplasia (precancerous) and for symptomatic relief in esophageal cancer. Liquid nitrogen is endoscopically sprayed on the surface to destroy the cells. Because of insurance requirements I ended out having radiofrequency ablation for my dysplasia. Esophageal carcinoma starts in the mucus membranes so it is effective in this situation but I don’t know how well it would work in other anatomic locations.

  • maggiehopley
    maggiehopley Member Posts: 142

    I had cryoablation for cervical dysplasia about 30 years ago. Precancerous cells are very different from solid tumors so I don't know if/how the procedure would be effective, but it is a legitimate procedure for certain indications.

  • chicagoan
    chicagoan Member Posts: 1,067

    Thanks to both Maggies. I still have my original tumor since like the woman in the story, it was inoperable. I am wondering if cryoablation might be an option for removing it if it appears active down the road. I found the technology described fascinating-how wonderful would it be if we could effectively treat breast cancer without mastectomies or lumpectomies?

  • chicagoan
    chicagoan Member Posts: 1,067

    I just checked out my own cancer center. They do have cryoablation for other types of cancer but not breast cancer. I'll ask my oncologist what she thinks at my December appt. I've rolled the dice for the many years I've had cancer. This is something I'd be willing to try.

  • maggie15
    maggie15 Member Posts: 1,389
    edited November 2

    You should ask. They will do cryoablation for small mets on cortical bone but not cancellous bone. I asked when my MO proposed radiating an indeterminate lesion in my acetabulum which can’t be biopsied. That wasn’t possible since it is too large and the bone there is too porous. It seems to depend very much on the biology of the location. I think it would be worth trying if they will do it.

  • chicagoan
    chicagoan Member Posts: 1,067

    Thanks Maggie15-this is all new to me.

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