cryoablation technology. He said, “In cryoablation technology, a needle is inserted to the tumor with an ice ball at a temperature between -20 degrees and -40 degrees Celsius. The low temperature kills the tumor cells and freezes the tumor in its tracks”.
According to Roy-Choudhury, the cost of cryoablation for a single tumor might be over INR 3 lakh. He claimed that this method might be employed to eradicate both malignant and benign cancers. Roy-Choudhury added the benefits of the procedure. He said, “This is a less painful procedure. If there is an elderly patient or someone with lung or cardiac ailments, avoiding a surgical procedure will suit them better”. According to the doctors, the healing time and care of organs affected by the tumor will be significantly improved.
Ablation technology entails the insertion of a needle that targets the tumor. Tumors are also treated with ablation methods that utilize heat. However, the cryoablation method is preferable as it is less likely to cause injury to nearby tissues and organs. Roy-Choudhury added, “Treatment margins are better defined in cryoablation. The probability of harm on other neighboring tissues or organs near the tumor is far less in cryoablation technology than other forms of ablation”.
Cryoablation technique is mainly employed in treating tiny tumors up to a diameter of 4 cm. Roy Chowdhury detailed the procedure. He said, “Suppose there is a 3 cm tumor in the kidney. With this technology it can be treated as effectively as a surgery without cutting open, minimally invasive with a rapid recovery where the patient goes home the next day. There is no scar either”.
According to the doctors, while cryoablation is more effective against cancers in the kidney, breast, soft tissues, and bones, other types of ablative technologies are more effective against lung and liver malignancies. However, ablation methods are only effective if the cancer is detected early. In case of advanced stage cancer diagnosis, other types of treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be followed.
