In a quiet ward of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, a 77‑year‑old woman was discharged two hours after a procedure that could have taken her weeks in the operating theatre. The treatment, a form of cryotherapy breast cancer treatment, froze a 15‑mm tumour near her heart, sparing her from a risky surgery that cardiologists had ruled out.
Background and Context
Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among Indian women, with over 1.5 million new cases reported in 2025 alone. Early detection has improved, yet a significant proportion of patients face surgical contraindications due to age, comorbidities, or tumour location. In such scenarios, cryotherapy breast cancer treatment offers a minimally invasive alternative that has been practiced worldwide for liver, kidney, and prostate tumours but is only recently gaining traction in India.
Delhi’s healthcare landscape has seen a surge in advanced oncological services, yet access to cutting‑edge techniques remains uneven. The Delhi News coverage of this case highlights a growing trend: hospitals are beginning to adopt cryoablation for carefully selected breast cancer patients, positioning it as a viable option when conventional surgery is not feasible.
Key Developments
Dr. Ramesh Sareen, senior consultant and lead breast surgical oncologist at Apollo, explained the procedure: “We locate the tumour with ultrasound, make a minuscule incision—so small that no stitches are needed—insert a cryoprobe, and apply controlled freeze‑thaw cycles. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.”
According to Dr. Sareen, cryoablation can target tumours up to 3–3.5 cm in diameter. Patients are monitored for six months to a year to assess tumour response and long‑term outcomes. The technique eliminates the need for general anaesthesia, reduces hospital stay, and offers excellent cosmetic results—critical factors for elderly patients or those with cardiovascular risks.
In India, only a handful of centres—such as Indraprastha Apollo, Medanta, and Fortis—have incorporated cryoablation into their breast cancer protocols. The procedure’s adoption is still in its infancy, but the Delhi case demonstrates its practical feasibility and patient‑friendly profile.
Impact Analysis
For patients, the implications are profound. Cryotherapy breast cancer treatment can transform a life‑threatening diagnosis into a manageable outpatient procedure. The reduced recovery time—often a few hours post‑procedure—means patients can return to daily activities sooner, minimizing psychological distress and financial burden.
From a public health perspective, the technique could alleviate pressure on surgical suites, especially in high‑volume tertiary hospitals. By diverting suitable cases to cryoablation, surgeons can focus on complex resections, potentially improving overall surgical outcomes.
Students and medical trainees stand to benefit from exposure to this emerging modality. Understanding the indications, contraindications, and procedural nuances of cryoablation will broaden their skill set and prepare them for a future where minimally invasive oncology is increasingly standard.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
- Patient Selection: Cryoablation is best suited for early‑stage, localized tumours (T1–T2) without lymph node involvement. Patients with comorbidities that preclude general anaesthesia are prime candidates.
- Imaging Guidance: High‑resolution ultrasound or MRI is essential for accurate tumour localisation and probe placement.
- Follow‑Up Protocol: Regular imaging (ultrasound or mammography) at 3, 6, and 12 months post‑treatment is recommended to monitor for residual disease.
- Patient Education: Discuss potential risks—such as skin burns or transient pain—and benefits, ensuring informed consent.
- Cost Considerations: While initial equipment costs are high, the outpatient nature of the procedure can reduce overall treatment expenses.
Dr. Shelly Sharma, a radiologist at Apollo, emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration: “The success of cryotherapy hinges on seamless coordination between surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. A tumour board review ensures that only suitable cases proceed.”
Looking Ahead
As more Indian centres adopt cryoablation, national guidelines may evolve to incorporate cryotherapy breast cancer treatment as a standard option for selected patients. Ongoing clinical trials in Europe and the United States are already demonstrating comparable oncologic outcomes to traditional surgery for early‑stage disease.
Future research will likely focus on refining probe technology, optimizing freeze‑thaw cycles, and integrating real‑time imaging to enhance precision. Additionally, cost‑effectiveness studies could pave the way for broader insurance coverage, making the procedure accessible to a wider patient population.
For students and healthcare professionals, staying abreast of these developments is crucial. Workshops, fellowships, and simulation labs can provide hands‑on experience, ensuring the next generation of oncologists is equipped to offer this cutting‑edge therapy.
In the broader context of patient‑centred care, cryoablation exemplifies how technology can tailor treatment to individual needs, balancing efficacy with quality of life.
Reach out to us for personalized consultation based on your specific requirements.
