Cryoablation: A Promising Treatment for Early-Stage Breast Cancer in Older Women
Breaking News: A groundbreaking study presented at RSNA 2025 has revealed a potential game-changer for older women battling early-stage breast cancer. Ultrasound-guided cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure, has shown remarkable effectiveness in treating this cancer, offering a ray of hope for those who may not be suitable candidates for traditional surgical methods.
Dr. Jorge Rey Porras, from La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, Spain, shared his team's findings, which demonstrated the success of cryoablation in treating estrogen receptor (ER) positive and negative cancers at clinical stages I and II. But here's where it gets controversial...
The Debate: While most breast cancers in older women are ER+, and thus have a more favorable prognosis, the presence of other health conditions (comorbidities) can make surgical treatment a challenging option. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, a standard part of the treatment process, may also be omitted in ER+ cases without increasing disease recurrence, according to recent studies. This could potentially reduce surgical complications for these women, as Dr. Porras suggests.
Research Insights: The research team, led by Dr. Porras, retrospectively examined the local recurrence and control rates in 77 women with early-stage invasive breast tumors. The women, aged 58 to 96 years (average 83), were treated with cryoablation and axillary surgery was omitted. The results were impressive: 100% local control for ER+ cases and 84.6% for ER- cases. The ER+ group also showed a longer average time to recurrence and follow-up duration compared to the ER- group.
Safety and Selection: The study reported no major complications in either group, highlighting the safety of cryoablation. However, Dr. Porras emphasizes that while cryoablation is a viable alternative for elderly women with ER+ cancer, careful patient selection is crucial for those with ER- cancers.
Future Prospects: Dr. Porras believes that further research is needed to explore the role of cryoablation in younger patients and its potential combination with other therapies.
This research, recognized with the RSNA Trainee Research Prize, opens up new avenues for breast cancer treatment, especially for older women. To learn more about RSNA 2025 and its groundbreaking presentations, visit our RADCast at https://www.auntminnie.com/resources/conference/rsna/2025?page=1.
What are your thoughts on this innovative treatment approach? Share your insights and opinions in the comments below!
