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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Breast Cancer Recurrence after Cryoablation in Patients Who Are Poor Surgical Candidates or Who Refuse Surgery
Jolie Jean1, Maxine S Jochelson2, Tracy-Ann Moo3
1Radiology Department, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Imaging, New York, New York.
Purpose:
To evaluate in-breast recurrence rates after cryoablation in patients with primary breast cancer who were poor surgical candidates or refused surgery.
Materials And Methods:
Patients with primary breast cancer who were poor surgical candidates or who refused surgery and were treated with cryoablation at a single academic cancer center between October 2018 and June 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 60 treated patients, 45 had invasive ductal carcinoma, 6 had invasive lobular carcinoma, 2 had multicentric ductal carcinoma in situ, and 7 had other histology. Tumor size ranged from 0.3 to 9 cm, with a mean of 2.7 cm. Recurrence was defined as new tumor or regrowth of residual tumor in the ipsilateral breast.
Results:
With a mean follow-up of 21 months and median follow-up of 9.8 months, there was a recurrence rate of 10% (6 of 60 patients). Patients in the recurrence group had more poorly differentiated disease than those in the nonrecurrence group (66.7% vs 22.2%; P = .038). Tumor size did not differ between nonrecurrence and recurrence groups (nonrecurrence group mean, 2.7 cm [SD ± 2.6]; recurrence group mean, 2.5 cm [SD ± 1.0]; P = .506). Patients who were treated with palliative intent rather than curative intent were significantly older (79.7 years [SD ± 12.2] vs 72.5 years [SD ± 11.3]; P = .032).
Conclusions:
Cryoablation can be considered a treatment option in patients who are poor surgical candidates or who refuse surgery, with a 10% recurrence rate at a mean follow-up of 21 months in this retrospective review that included patients with tumors up to 9 cm, unfavorable pathology, and multicentric disease.
Insights
Cryoablation shows a 10% in-breast recurrence rate for primary breast cancer patients unsuitable for surgery. This minimally invasive option is viable for select patients, including those with larger or multicentric tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Breast cancer treatment often involves surgery, but some patients are poor surgical candidates or decline surgical intervention.
- Alternative treatments are needed for this patient population to manage primary breast cancer.
- Cryoablation offers a less invasive approach for breast cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in-breast recurrence rates following cryoablation for primary breast cancer.
- To assess the efficacy of cryoablation in patients who are poor surgical candidates or refuse surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 60 patients with primary breast cancer treated with cryoablation between October 2018 and June 2023.
- Inclusion criteria: poor surgical candidates or patients refusing surgery.
- Data collected included tumor histology, size, and recurrence defined as new or residual tumor in the ipsilateral breast.
Main Results:
- A 10% in-breast recurrence rate was observed in 60 patients (6 of 60) with a mean follow-up of 21 months.
- Patients with recurrence had more poorly differentiated disease (66.7% vs 22.2%, P = .038).
- Tumor size and palliative vs. curative intent did not significantly impact recurrence, though older patients were treated with palliative intent.
Conclusions:
- Cryoablation is a potential treatment option for primary breast cancer in patients who are poor surgical candidates or refuse surgery.
- The observed 10% recurrence rate is acceptable given the patient population and tumor characteristics (up to 9 cm, unfavorable pathology, multicentric disease).
- Further research may explore optimizing cryoablation techniques and patient selection for improved outcomes.
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