Effectiveness & Testimonials

Cryoablation has shown promising results in treating early-stage, hormone-sensitive breast cancers. The procedure involves using extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancerous tissues, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgeries like lumpectomy or mastectomy.

Cryoablation Improves Patient Satisfaction

Effective & Safe

Cancer control equal to lumpectomy for early stage breast cancer

Physical Well-being

Less pain or tightness and less difficulty with mobility, such as lifting arms.

Sexual Well-being

Greater feelings of sexual attractiveness, sexual confidence, and comfort level during sex

Satisfaction with Breasts

Greater happiness about breast size, how bras fit, and appearance in the mirror clothed or unclothed, as well as how the breasts feel to the touch.

*Compared to lumpectomy, women treated with cryoablation reported significantly greater satisfaction with physical well being, sexual wellness, and breast appearance based on BREAST-Q patient reported-outcomes. (Khan SY et al. The Role of Cryoablation in Breast Cancer Beyond the Oncologic Control: COST and Breast-Q Patient-Reported Outcomes.  Ann Surg Oncol.  2023;30:1029-1037.)

Clinical Effectiveness of Cryoablation

Studies have highlighted the following key findings:

  • Efficacy for Small Tumors: Cryoablation is most effective for tumors 2 cm or smaller. The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z1072 trial reported a 100% success rate for tumors less than 1 cm and a 92% success rate for tumors up to 2 cm.
  • Long-Term Success: A Japanese clinical trial involving 304 women with stage I invasive ductal carcinomas reported a 0.98% local recurrence rate over six years, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of cryoablation when combined with anti-estrogen medications and radiation therapy.
  • In April 2024, the 5-year follow-up results of the ICE3 trial were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons in Orlando, Florida.  The ICE3 trial is multicenter, single-arm, non-randomized clinical trial that evaluated the role of cryoablation as an alternative to surgery. The trial enrolled 194 women  years of age (median 75 years) with unifocal, clinical stage I, histologic grade 1 or 2, estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive, HER2/neu negative invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosed by minimally invasive biopsy. The use of anti-estrogen therapy, radiation therapy, and sentinel node biopsy were not mandated by the trial. As such, nearly 80% of ICE3 trial participants utilized endocrine therapy but only 14% received adjuvant radiation therapy and only 8% of participants underwent a sentinel node biopsy. At 5 years of follow-up, there were 7 recurrences of cancer in the same breast yielding a local recurrence free survival rate of 96.7%, which is comparable to lumpectomy clinical trials in women over 60 years of age where radiation therapy was omitted.  The 5-year results will be published soon.

Cryoablation also offers theoretical benefits in stimulating an anti-cancer immune response, although this effect is not yet fully proven in humans. Proteins released from cryoablated tumors may help the immune system recognize and attack remaining cancer cells, potentially providing additional protection against recurrence.

Quick, Minimally Invasive, and Highly Effective.

100%

Effectiveness in killing targeted cancer cells.

< 45min

Average duration of the cryoablation procedure.

1 Day

Typical recovery time before resuming normal activites.

< 3%

Local recurrence rate in patients over a 6-year folow-up.

Real Stories from 
Dr. Holmes’ Patients

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M. L.

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K. C.

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S. L.

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Thank you with so much love and appreciation.  

Kim P.

Family of Patient

A million thank you for taking my case.  I am extremely grateful for the work that you do and for giving so many options other than surgery.

Angela M.

Patient

Hi Dr. Holmes, one year ago today your excellent surgical skills gave me the very best of Christmas presents by sending me home cancer-free at the end of the day! Thank you for saving my life and for the kindness with which you approach your patients in your practice. You made facing one of the most frightening experiences of my life much easier to navigate. I am so grateful that my primary care doctor sent me your way.

E. H.

Patient

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