Scientists have found a new way to freeze breast tumours using streams of super-cold gas, which not only kills the cancer cells but also ensures that it does not return.

The technique, called cryotherapy, requires injecting freezed gas around the tumour growth using fine needle, evading the need for invasive suffering. It will also save the patient against any major discomfort.

“Our findings suggest freezing tumours was both safe and effective,” lead author Peter Littrup from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit said.

“When used for local control or potential cure of breast cancer, it provided safe and effective breast conservation,” Littrup said.
The trial was carried out on 13 patients who refused to have breast operations to remove their tumours.

The team followed the patients for five years—the duration in which the patients should not suffer a relapse in order to term a treatment as effective. “Minimally invasive cryotherapy opens the door for potential new treatment for breast cancer”, Littrup said.

Article courtesy: The Hindustan Times, 19/03/10