Applying BI-RADS After Breast Cryoablation: New Categories Are Needed

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Breast imaging is crucial for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Current standard treatment for nonmetastatic breast cancer involves surgery, often combined with radiation or chemotherapy.
• There is a growing interest in minimally invasive therapeutic options for breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the reemergence and potential of breast cryotherapy as a treatment modality.
• To discuss the expanding role of breast imaging specialists in cancer treatment.
• To explore the application of cryoablation for immune potentiation in advanced breast cancers.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent clinical trial data, specifically the 5-year results of the ICE3 trial.
• Analysis of the current literature on breast cryotherapy and cryoablation.
• Discussion of the immunotherapeutic potential of cryoablation in triple-negative and metastatic breast cancers.

Main Results:

• The ICE3 trial provides significant 5-year data supporting breast cryotherapy.
• Cryotherapy offers a potential alternative or adjunct to traditional breast cancer treatments.
• Cryoablation is being investigated for its ability to enhance the immune response against cancer.

Conclusions:

• Breast cryotherapy is a developing treatment with the potential to broaden the scope of practice for breast imaging radiologists.
• Cryoablation shows promise for treating various breast cancer subtypes and for its role in cancer immunotherapy.
• Further research and clinical trials are warranted to establish the full potential of cryotherapy in breast cancer management.