Kawamoto H, Tsugawa K, Furuya Y, Sakamaki K, Kakimoto S, Kitajima M, Takishita MN, Tazo M, Nakano MH, Kuroda T, Shimo A, Shimo A, Kojima Y, Tsuzuki M, Motoyoshi A, Haku E, Nishikawa T, Kanemaki Y, Mimura H, Fukuda M. Breast Cancer. 2024 Jul;31(4):695-704. doi: 10.1007/s12282-024-01584-4.
Overview
The study investigates the long-term outcomes of percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) as a minimally invasive treatment for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). Conducted in Japan, the study follows 18 patients over a mean period of 44.3 months. It aims to assess the efficacy by imaging, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. Additionally, the study evaluates safety and cosmetic results using Moiré topography. Furthermore, patient satisfaction is measured using EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L questionnaires. The authors examined the outcomes at baseline and 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months post-cryoablation.
This study is particularly relevant for the Japanese population, where breast cancer incidence is rising, and there is a need for treatments that minimize disruption to patients’ lives. Doctors performed PCA under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Patients’ mean age was 59.0 ± 9.0 years with tumors at a mean size of 9.8 ± 2.3 mm. The tumors were hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative.
Results
Based on the study, the results were promising, with a 100% local control rate and no distant metastases observed during the 5-year follow-up. Additionally, no serious adverse events occurred, and only one minor case of skin redness appeared, which resolved without complications. Imaging studies, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, showed significant reductions in cryo-lesion size over time, with MRI demonstrating an 86.2% reduction in volume at the five-year mark.
Cosmetic outcomes were excellent, with patients showing improved levels of satisfaction and improved quality of life post-treatment. The pain/discomfort domain showed the largest reduction, from a baseline median of 2.0 to 1.5 at 12 months and 1.0 at 24 months.
Conclusion
The study underscores PCA’s potential as a standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer. It highlights its minimally invasive nature, which preserves the breast appearance while achieving effective oncologic outcomes. Moreover, the findings add to the growing body of evidence that supports cryoablation as a non-surgical treatment option. This option meets the needs of patients seeking less invasive procedures with minimal recovery time and high satisfaction rates.
***Full article may require purchase***