Initial study results show cryoablation is safe and effective
According to initial results of the ECLIPSE trial (Evaluating Cryoablation of Metastatic Lung/Pleura Tumors in Patients – Safety and Efficacy), cancerous tumors that have spread to the lungs are safely destroyed by cryoablation.
Challenging to treat, metastatic lung disease often results in a poor prognosis for patients. “Cryoablation…could prolong the lives of patients who are running out of options,” said David A. Woodrum, MD, PhD, an author of the study and interventional radiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Using medical imaging guidance, cryoablation is performed by using a needle-like probe on cancerous tumors inside the lung. Once in place, gas is used to cool the tip of the instrument to as low as minus 100 degrees Celsius. The tumor’s cellular function is interrupted by the ice crystals, and the cancer is destroyed.
The ECLIPSE trial involved 22 patients with a total of 36 tumors who were treated with 27 sessions of cryoablation. At the 3-month follow-up, cryoablation was 100% effective in killing the tumors. At 6 months, 23% of patients had treated tumors that were still dead.
According to Woodrum, researchers will follow the study patients for up to 5 years.
Source: NCI.