Hospital in Spain FREEZES breast cancer cells as part of new treatment technique – CSN News

A hospital in ALICANTE has performed a groundbreaking procedure to destroy breast cancer cells by freezing.

A 90-year old woman was successfully treated at the Doctor Balmis Hospital.

Cryoablation is the technique used in radiology.

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The procedure is guided using ultrasound equipment, which is typically safer and more minimally invasive than surgery.

The Ministry of Health said it is an ‘innovative formula that is transforming’ the treatment of this disease while ‘improving the quality of life for patients’.

Doctor Balmis’ Breast Unit reported good results from the first time the doctors performed the procedure against breast cancer.

The hospital’s radiology department has ‘extensive experience’ in cryoablation for the treatment of bone and soft tissue tumours, but the Health Ministry said it was the first time had been used to treat breast cancer.

Specialist Dr. Maria Isabel Moya stated: “It involves an ultrasound-guided method that involves inserting very fine needles through a tiny incision in the body. The system reaches extreme cold temperatures, under -40C. It achieves the freezing of the tumor as well as destruction of tumour cells.”

The procedure is less than one hour long. During this time, a needle remains in the area to be treated and multiple cycles of freezing and defrosting are performed.

It is also a simple and painless procedure performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia.

This reduces the risk of complications such as infections, seromas, hematomas and chronic pain.

Dr. Moya noted that, along with other therapies, the cold creates a therapeutic effect that is extra, as specific antigens released by the cold attack tumour cells – an immune response that is under study.

Traditional surgery is the mainstay Moya, a breast cancer patient herself, says that it’s great to know that some patients have a choice.

“Cryoablation offers a less aggressive, more effective alternative to surgery for certain patients. This includes women with small and low-risk tumors who can’t undergo an operation due to age or other illnesses.