Cryotherapy

Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy) is the use of extreme cold produced by liquid nitrogen (or argon gas) to destroy abnormal tissue. For internal tumors, liquid nitrogen or argon gas is circulated through a hollow instrument called a cryoprobe, which is placed in contact with the tumor.

The doctor uses ultrasound or MRI to guide the cryoprobe and monitor the freezing of the cells, thus limiting damage to nearby healthy tissue. A ball of ice crystals forms around the probe, freezing nearby cells. Sometimes more than one probe is used to deliver the liquid nitrogen to various parts of the tumor.

Cryosurgery can be used to treat men who have early-stage prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate gland. It is less well established than standard prostatectomy and various types of radiation therapy. Long-term outcomes are not known.

National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet: Cryosurgery in Cancer Treatment

Cryotherapy Research News

The following information was compiled from previously published study results and news stories. This page was last updated on 07.01.2008

Cryotherapy Gives Prostate Cancer the Cold Shoulder

Cryotherapy, sometimes called cryosurgery, freezes and kills abnormal cells, turning the diseased area of the prostate into a hard, frozen ball of ice. Downsides to this surgery include a loss of sexual function, since the nerves “freeze” as well. However, companies are currently developing warming devices for the nerves and a more focused cryosurgery is being developed to address this issue.

Cryotherapy Treats Prostate and Kidney Cancers
by Robin Williams Adams |The Ledger 04.27.2008

Salvage Cryotherapy a Safe and Effective Option After Radiation Failure

A 2007 study indicates that targeted cryoablation of the prostate is a safe and effective treatment for localized prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy. This method has previously been sow to increase disease-free survival in men with recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy, but its impact on quality of life and long-term survival remains uncertain until further research is conducted.

Salvage Cryotherapy Safe, Effective After Radiation Failure for Prostate Cancer
Reuters Health | 11.05.2007