Breast Cancer Cryoablation: Past, Present, and Future

The field of radiology is always changing, particularly with respect to image-guided breast cancer cryoablation. While this therapy has been studied for decades, the results of recent clinical trials have made the concept of treating breast cancer without surgery closer to reality. The technique closely resembles that of percutaneous image-guided breast biopsy, and the skill set to perform this procedure can be acquired by breast and interventional radiologists. Small, low-risk breast cancers can be treated with cryoablation, and there is an opportunity to use it for palliative care. Potential immune benefits of cryoablation add to the appeal and interest in this procedure.