Istanbul doctors treat breast cancer without surgery
Doctors at Istanbul University’s Oncology Institute have successfully treated four breast cancer patients using cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy tumors. This milestone allows patients with early-stage cancer to avoid traditional surgery, general anesthesia, and associated scarring, with all four individuals discharged on the same day as their treatment.
How Cryoablation Works
The procedure involves inserting a thin needle directly into the tumor under local anesthesia. According to Dr. Inci Kızıldağ Yırgın, who led the radiology department team, the device cools cancerous tissue to temperatures as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius (minus 274 degrees Fahrenheit). This process targets and destroys cancer cells while leaving surrounding healthy breast tissue intact.
The treatment typically lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. Dr. Berkay Kılıç, a general surgeon at the institute, noted that patients remain fully conscious throughout the process, allowing for direct communication with the medical team. Following the procedure, patients undergo a short observation period before being discharged.
Cryoablation is specifically utilized for patients over the age of 60 who have early-stage breast cancer with tumors smaller than 1.5 centimeters, particularly when those individuals are unable or unwilling to undergo conventional surgery.
Clinical Significance for High-Risk Patients
The shift toward cryoablation provides a specialized option for patients who may face complications with traditional operations. Dr. Kılıç stated that the technique is particularly beneficial for those with underlying health issues such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or chronic lung diseases. Additionally, Dr. Yırgın highlighted the procedure’s value for patients with heart conditions or those currently taking blood-thinning medications, as these groups often encounter higher surgical risks.
The transition to non-surgical alternatives like cryoablation represents a strategic shift in oncology, prioritizing tissue preservation and patient recovery time. By eliminating general anesthesia, the medical team reduces the physiological burden on elderly patients or those with pre-existing comorbidities, potentially expanding the pool of candidates who can safely receive definitive local cancer treatment.
What May Happen Next
Following this successful same-day treatment of four patients, the oncology team will continue to monitor their progress. Future management for these individuals could involve supplemental therapies, such as radiation or medication, based on their specific clinical needs. As the institute gains further experience with this technique, specialists may look to broaden the criteria for candidates, though current protocols remain focused on those with hormone-sensitive breast cancer that has not spread to underarm lymph nodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for cryoablation?
The treatment is generally offered to patients over 60 with early-stage breast cancer and tumors smaller than 1.5 centimeters, especially those who cannot or do not wish to have surgery.
What are the advantages compared to traditional surgery?
According to Dr. Yırgın, the technique allows for the preservation of breast tissue, the absence of surgical scars, and a faster return to daily activities.
How effective is this procedure?
Dr. Yırgın stated that worldwide studies indicate cryoablation provides results comparable to surgery, with success rates reaching 97% to 98%.
How do you view the balance between choosing minimally invasive technology versus traditional surgical removal for early-stage diagnoses?