Cryoablation for breast cancer: a narrative review of advances, clinical applications, and future challenges.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer remains one of the most common malignant tumors affecting women, with its incidence continuing to rise in recent years. Cryoablation, a minimally invasive technique, has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional surgical excision. Its advantages include high precision, rapid recovery, suitability for local anesthesia, and the potential to activate the immune system, making it an appealing option for patients who are either unwilling or unable to undergo conventional surgical procedures. The objective of this narrative review is to assess the progress and current status of cryoablation in the treatment of breast cancer, providing a comprehensive overview of its technological advances and clinical applications, including device development, mechanisms, surgical procedures, indications, and clinical outcomes for different tumour types. In addition, the article discusses the use of cryoablation in combination with immunotherapy and the challenges ahead.

METHODS

This study conducted a literature review by searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify the latest research findings in the field of cryoablation technology and breast cancer treatment. Based on these findings, a narrative review was generated.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS

This article presents the mechanisms, devices, and surgical procedures of cryoablation, affirming its safety and efficacy in the clinical treatment of breast cancer. Additionally, it explores the challenges associated with combining cryoablation with immunotherapy to prevent tumor recurrence. As technological advancements continue, it is anticipated that more extensive clinical trials will be conducted to validate the broader application of cryoablation in breast cancer treatment, addressing the limitations of currently available small-scale studies. This progress will aid in selecting more effective treatment strategies for breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryoablation has been proven to be a unique and effective approach for treating early-stage, advanced, and inoperable breast cancer patients, demonstrating favorable therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, cryoablation can enhance anti-tumor immune responses, and its combination with immunotherapy and nanomedicine shows promise in preventing tumor recurrence. As a result, cryoablation is gradually becoming a viable alternative to traditional surgical methods for breast cancer treatment.