Cryoablation - A better treatment option for some?

Imorris,

I'm not sure that cryoablation is considered alternative treatment. It is a process done by interventional radiologists. Most of the big centers and teaching hospitals have an interventional radiology department. Cryoablation and microwave ablation are used now in breast cancer for things like liver mets (check on PubMed for articles about this.) For some background, though, I'd check into large hospital centers and look for their available interventional radiology departments.

One argument I've seen against cryoablation is that there's nothing left to run a detailed pathology on. Unless the biopsy sample was really comprehensive, no pathology means not knowing enough about the type of tumor to determine post-surgical (or in this case, post-blasted) treatments.

I was successfully treated with Cryoablation and immunotherapy through the Williams Cancer Institute, Dr Jason Williams. My oncologist advised me not to go this route but my research and my discussion with Dr. Williams gave me confidence to proceed.

My naturopath recently told me that she has 2 other patients that have also been successfully treated by Dr. Williams as well. He has been treating cancers with this method for over 15 years. He will not take you on if he does not believe there will be a positive outcome. I know this for fact because he would not treat my friend.

You can do a needle biopsy after Cryoablation to determine pathology. You run the risk of releasing cancer cells when doing needle biopsies any other way. If you look on Pub Med you will see the risk of needle biopsies.

Hope this helps

I had cryoablation done in June 2019 with Dr. Holmes off trial. I have had 2 follow-ups since then--6 month follow-up in January 2020 where I had mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy of cryoablated area. I just had my 2nd follow up (which was delayed due to pandemic) for just imaging. Right now I have no evidence of disease. Praise God. I went out to the imaging center that Dr. Holmes uses for my initial follow-up and my understanding from the radiologist there (who works with him a lot and sees many of his cryo patients) is that majority of his patients have done very well with no recurrence. I am beyond delighted with my results from cryo so far.

I am so happy there are different choices out there. I had the lumpectomy and brachytherapy a little over 2 years ago and totally regretting the "easy" 5 day accelerated radiation route. Dealing with fibrosis setting in. I would have totally went this route if I knew it was available to me. Just recently joined and learning a lot. Thanks Ladies!