[Cryotherapy in rectal cancer (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Cryobiology

Context:

• Rectal carcinoma treatment outcomes
• Cryotherapy as a therapeutic modality
• Palliative care in oncology

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy in treating rectal carcinomas.
• To analyze the local tissue response to cryotherapy using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Summary:

• Cryotherapy was applied to 151 rectal carcinoma cases from 1972 to 1979.
• Radical tumor destruction was achieved in 19 cases; others received palliative care through multiple cryotherapy sessions.
• SEM analysis of 48 biopsies revealed local tumor destruction, inflammation, phagocytosis, and, in radical cases, immunological reactions and epithelialization.

Impact:

• Cryotherapy demonstrates potential for both radical treatment and palliative care in rectal cancer.
• Understanding the cellular mechanisms of cryotherapy aids in optimizing treatment strategies.
• SEM provides valuable insights into tissue response following cryoablative procedures.