Dr. Eisuke Fukuma has treated 58 breast cancer patients with cryoablation over the last 6 years under a research protocol at Kameda Medical Center in Japan. As of today, none of the patients have had a tumor reoccur or distant metastases. By this non-surgical treatment, Dr. Fukuma’s patients avoid the risks and potential cosmetic impact of major breast cancer surgery. The fact that none have had recurrences, suggests that, with further study, Cryoablation may offer significant, minimally-invasive breast health options.
Cryoablation is the technique of using extreme cold to destroy tissue. It has been used for years in medical applications like dermatology, kidney, prostate and liver to treat both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
Eisuke Fukuma , MD, PhD, is Chairman of Breast Center at Kameda Medical Center in Kamogawa City, Chiba, Japan. Since 2006, his team has been developing cryoablation under image-guidance as a nonsurgical treatment for small breast cancer.
Dr. Fukuma’s most recent 20 patients added to the clinical trial were treated using the IceSense3 Cryoablation system from IceCure Medical. While mainstream cancer treatment still requires significant research, the IceSense3 system is widely available in the US for the treatment of benign breast disease. The procedure usually takes about 10-15 minutes; with no pain and virtually no scar (no sutures are required). As with a needle biopsy, many women can return to work or their normal activity quickly.
Dr. Fukuma previewed his next steps in research, which include expanding his research for larger tumors using the IceSense3, to a packed room of physicians and researchers at the 2013 conference of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS). To determine if nonsurgical cryoablation is an acceptable treatment for patients with small breast cancer, “we have to study a larger number of patients for a longer time period,” remarks Dr. Fukuma.
Because of its procedural, clinical, and cosmetic results, Cryoablation garnered high level of attention at the conference. Author of several pivotal studies on Cryoablation of benign tumors, Dr. Cary Kaufman also spoke about its use in breast cancer, adding that it has potential immunological benefits.
“We are extremely excited with the results presented by Dr. Fukuma,” stated Hezi Himelfarb , President and CEO of IceCure Medical. “IceSense3 cryoablation system will continue to have major role in Dr. Fukuma’s study towards providing less invasive and better cosmetic options for patients.”
The IceSense3™ Cryoablation System was designed for efficient and effective treatment of breast tumors. The system has 510k FDA approval for benign and malignant breast disease.
About IceCure Medical
IceCure Medical, Inc.is a medical device company focused on developing and marketing minimally invasive, office-based cryoablation treatment solutions for women’s health. The proprietary IceSense3™ Cryoablation System offers a comfortable, ultrasound-guided procedure to treat breast tumors. To learn more about IceCure and Cryoablation for Breast Disease, please find us on the web at www.IceCure-Medical.com. To learn about patient advocacy efforts follow us @CoverCryo on Twitter and BreastHealthOptions on Facebook.