Millions of women worldwide are affected by breast cancer, a prevalent form of cancer. For approximately 8 out of 10 cases, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most prevalent form of breast cancer. IDC is characterized by cancer cells that have spread beyond the milk ducts into the surrounding breast tissue.
While surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are commonly used to treat IDC, there is growing interest in alternative treatment options such as cryoablation provided by the ICE3 trial.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) originates in the milk ducts of the breast tissue and is classified as a type of breast cancer. These ducts carry milk from the lobules (the milk-producing glands) to the nipple. When IDC spreads, it invades the surrounding breast tissue, hence the term; invasive.
It is typically characterized by the presence of abnormal cells that have the potential to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. Constituting a significant portion of breast cancer cases, this type of cancer accounts for about 80% of all instances of breast cancer. Symptoms could range from lumps in the breast, breast pain, nipple discharge, and changes in the appearance of the breast skin or nipple.
IDC is usually treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment selection is based on various factors, including the cancer stage, tumor size, and other pertinent factors.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such as cancerous tumors or abnormal heart tissue. In this procedure, a small probe or needle is inserted into the tissue being treated, and a gas, such as liquid nitrogen or argon gas, is passed through the probe to cool it down to very low temperatures. The extreme cold freezes the tissue, causing ice crystals to form inside the cells, which can cause the cells to die. Cryoablation is often used as an alternative to surgery and can be performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation.
The doctor may freeze and thaw the tissue multiple times during the procedure to ensure that all the targeted cells are destroyed. Once the procedure is complete, the doctor removes the probe from the body.
Cryoablation as treatment for early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma
Cryoablation is a suitable treatment for early-stage IDC because it is a minimally invasive procedure that effectively destroys cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. Several clinical studies, such as the ICE3 trial by IceCure Medical has shown that cryoablation could effectively treat small, early-stage breast cancers, particularly those approximately an inch in size. This technique allows for the targeted destruction of cancer cells while preserving healthy breast tissue and minimizing scarring.
Cryoablation is a procedure that requires minimal invasion and can be performed with local anesthesia or conscious sedation, eliminating the need for general anesthesia in patients. The recovery time after cryoablation is shorter than after traditional surgery, with less pain and discomfort.
The healing process of a patient after cryoablation may differ depending on the size and location of the treated area. The patient may experience discomfort or swell at the treatment site, which usually subsides within a few days.
Conclusion
Cryoablation is an innovative treatment option that offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures for IDC. While it is unsuitable for all types and stages of breast cancer, cryoablation has shown promise as a safe and effective treatment.
This procedure offers several advantages over surgery, including shorter recovery time, less pain and scarring, and reduced risk of complications.
Patients with breast cancer should always work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.
Cryoablation represents a promising advancement in breast cancer treatment and offers hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for women with this disease.
Patients must understand that they need to seek professional medical advice if they experience symptoms or suspect an illness.