Cryoablation Used to Destroy Lung Cancer Cells

The use of cryoablation has now been extended to the treatment of lung cancer. A U.S. lung cancer patient recently underwent cryoablation, remaining conscious throughout the three-hour procedure, and was reported in stable condition.

The minimally invasive procedure employed the Cryocare System of Endocare (Irvine, CA, USA), using ultrasound visualization to locate the tumor. Thin cryoprobes are placed through small incisions to freeze and destroy the targeted cancer cells. The tips of the cryoprobes contain liquified argon gas that is -40 degrees Celsius and this temperature is closely monitored. Cryoablation is being used to treat prostate, kidney, and lung cancer and benign prostate growth.

Though we are still in the experimental stages of using the technology to treat lung cancer, targeted cryoablation is emerging as a less-invasive, life-extending alternative to surgery and other treatments for cancer patients, said Peter Littrup, M.D., radiologist and professor at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI, USA) .