Cryotherapy for cancer is a treatment method that uses extremely cold temperatures (down to -160°C) applied directly to cancer cells to destroy them. During this procedure, a thin metal needle or probe is inserted into the area where the cancer is located. The probe delivers specialized gas that freezes the surrounding tissue, causing cancer cells to die.
Also known as cryoablation, cryotherapy can be used to treat various types of cancer, including lung cancer. This treatment is often chosen when surgery is not an option. In addition, it can help relieve pain and other symptoms caused by metastatic cancer. Cryotherapy is considered a minimally invasive procedure because it does not require open surgery with large incisions.
At RS Mandaya Royal Puri, lung cancer cryotherapy is available and performed by interventional radiology consultant dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI.
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When Is Cryotherapy for Lung Cancer Recommended?
Cryotherapy for lung cancer may be considered in several situations, including:
- When a patient cannot undergo surgery, for example due to underlying health conditions that make surgery high-risk or unsafe.
- When the tumor’s size or location makes conventional surgical removal difficult. Cryotherapy can serve as an alternative to destroy cancer cells without open surgery.
- To relieve symptoms from advanced or metastatic lung cancer. This therapy may help reduce pain or other symptoms when cancer has spread to other organs or lymph nodes.
Cryotherapy works by freezing lung cancer cells until they die, helping control tumor growth through a minimally invasive approach.
How Is the Cryotherapy Procedure Performed?
Lung cancer cryotherapy is performed in a hospital setting. Patients may receive general anesthesia (so they are asleep during the procedure) or regional anesthesia (remaining awake but without pain in the treated area).
Once anesthesia takes effect, the doctor will:
- Insert a thin needle or metal probe into the lung area where the tumor is located.
- Use imaging guidance such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to ensure accurate probe placement within the tumor.
- Deliver specialized gas through the probe to freeze the tumor tissue.
- Monitor and control the probe temperature and the extent of tissue freezing throughout the procedure.
After the procedure, patients may be discharged the same day or stay overnight for observation, depending on their condition. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection.
In the days following the procedure, patients might experience mild pain or bruising at the needle insertion site. However, most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.
Advantages of Cryotherapy for Lung Cancer
Cryotherapy is a treatment option for small tumors, particularly when surgery is not feasible. As a minimally invasive procedure, it offers several advantages:
- No large incisions (no open surgery required).
- Fewer side effects and minimal scarring.
- Reduced risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
With its targeted approach, cryotherapy helps destroy lung cancer cells while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible.
Cryotherapy at Mandaya Royal Puri by dr. Sugianto, Sp.Rad (K)RI
Cryotherapy services at RS Mandaya Royal Puri are performed by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad (K)RI, a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. He is experienced in performing a wide range of minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat diseases affecting nearly all organs of the body.
As an interventional radiologist, dr. Sugianto utilizes advanced medical imaging guidance such as ultrasound and CT scans to ensure procedures are accurate and precisely targeted without open surgery. This approach results in smaller incisions, lower complication risks, and faster recovery times for patients.
In addition to cryotherapy, dr. Sugianto is experienced in performing other interventional procedures such as Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for liver nodules and liver cancer, Radiofrequency Ablation (RF Ablation), and Microwave Ablation for tumor and liver cancer treatment. He completed his medical degree at Universitas Kristen Maranatha Bandung and pursued his Radiology specialization at Universitas Indonesia, further strengthening his expertise in medical imaging and interventional radiology.
Practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri:
- Tuesday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Thursday: 16:00 – 20:00 WIB
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or download the Care Dokter app via Google Play or the App Store to check queue numbers and access complete information.
